Beleaguered Mochudi Center Chiefs coach Mike Sithole’s future at the Kgatleng outfit remains uncertain with delayed negotiations between the club board and the Zambian gaffer put on hold till the board officials come back from holidays.
Gazette Sport previously reported that the club’s board officials were set to meet before Christmas to review Sithole’s position at the club after a rather poor start for the reigning beMOBILE Premiership champions who trail log leaders Township Rollers by six points with 17 games played.
The former Rollers tactician’s track record certainly speaks volumes after guiding them to the league title last year but his future has been widely tipped to be based on success in the Mascom Top 8 cup, a trophy which has eluded the club since its inception.
Sithole’s conviction on the way forward for Magosi has been unwavering throughout a difficult start to the season,but the Zambiam has pointed the need for January reinforcements with the transfer window already open.
“We certainly have to do business this month because we have a busy schedule ahead of us with the Mascom Top 8, domestic league and the CAF Champions League upon us. Last year we had a lot of injuries so we defended with players who are not natural defenders that is why our defensive frailties have been exposed by most of the teams we have played against. The boys started training last week so we are still assessing their fitness level then we will act on strengthening the team,” Sithole told this reporter.
Quizzed on his future at the club the Zambian coach remained optimistic that the club board has complete faith in him despite the extension of his contact moving at a snail pace. “I am aware that my contract will be running out next month but I am not worried because I believe the club officials will deal with the matter as soon as possible because I have already started preparations for the second round of the league. We have a lot to accomplish this season so I am keen to complete the season with the club because my heart is here with Chiefs,” stated Sithole.
Chiefs, who have drawn Ferroviario de Maputo of Mozambique in the preliminary stages of the 2016 CAF Champions League, will be eager to rub shoulders with Africa with the first leg scheduled to be played at home on the 13th of February.
“We certainly want to go far in the competition this term because competitions of this magnitude give players a chance to gain experience across the continent which will benefit the national team as well. It is important that we add depth and quality to our squad but on the other hand we should not lose key players to rival teams,” the coach continued.
Rumours recently linked star player Lemponye Tshireletso with a move to rivals Gaborone United but the Zambian rubbished the claims pointing out that no offer had been made for the player. “We intend not to sell our players this transfer window especially in Tshireletso’s case because he has been influential. The boy is happy so there is no need for him to switch clubs,” he said.
Meanwhile this publication caught up with Public Relations Officer, Clifford Mogomotsi who revealed there is no pressure to negotiate Sithole’s contract since some of the technical members of the team are on holiday.
“The coach is aware that the year has just started so the board officials are going to meet once they come back from the holidays. Initially, we scheduled to discuss the contractual agreements before Christmas but something came up so the board is going to meet soon,” he concluded.
Sithole’s contract negotiations delayed?
