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Mading Closer to Satmos Takeover(MMEGI / THE REPORTER (BOTSWANA) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Former national team goalkeeper, Mooketsi 'China' Mading is closer to assuming full ownership of Satmos FC. Club spokesman, Mpenzeni Sambandawe said supporters were given a platform to air their views regarding the privatisation of the club but failed and hence the focus would not shift to Mading's bid. "We feel the supporters are delaying. We will now wait for Mading to make his contribution and thereafter, he will probably assume full ownership of the team," said Sambandawe. Satmos was relegated from the Premier League at the end of last season. The club has been struggling financially and the move to hand it over to ex-coach Mading is expected to turn the situation around. The side has made changes to its technical and executive committees. Former chairperson, Ben Kgomela has been replaced by Abel Israel, who has held the post before. Sambandawe said the club believes that Israel knows its culture and direction. Mading is no longer the coach but is a director. Duncan 'Tross' Tshegofatso is the new Satmos coach assisted by Letlhomilwe Seoforeng formerly of Palapye United. The relatively inexperienced duo has been tasked with guiding Satmos back into the elite league. Former coach, Guston Mutobo, who together with Kgomela, were involved in a freak car accident midway through the season, has left the team. Simbandawe said Mutobo was engaged on a temporary basis. He stated that they have strengthened the side with two goalkeepers and two strikers from Zambia. Veteran winger, Mogolodi 'Stix' Chepete is still with the side to guide the youngsters. Satmos lost Thobo 'Fish' Kgoboge, Murambiwa Ndlovu and Cedric Keorapetse to cross town rivals, Nico United. Despite the loss of these players, Sambandawe said they are prepared to come back to the Premier League. "We played a number of friendlies and we are ready for the new season. We are not in the First Division to stay. We needed time to stabilise and re-establish ourselves and get back (to the Premier League) on a positive note," said Sambandawe. Satmos started their First Division North campaign by beating Sowa Flamingos 1-0. Sambandawe said the executive committee is working around the clock to secure sponsorship. He told Selebi-Phikwe soccer fans to consider themselves blessed to have a representative in each division. Nico is in the Premier League, with Satmos in Division One while No Matata, Mosquito and Callies are Division Two. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media. (allafrica.com) Copyright 2007 Mmegi / The Reporter (Botswana), Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media , Source: The Financial Times Limited |