Tonota FC have entrusted proven winner Dimitar Pantev with leading their ambitious push for a historic FNB Premiership title triumph
BONGANI MALUNGA
Tonota FC have set their sights on FNB Premiership glory after appointing proven title-winning coach Dimitar Pantev, with club chairman Tumelo Toteng declaring that the Bulgarian’s pedigree matches the club’s growing championship ambitions.
Pantev was confirmed last weekend as the permanent successor to Thaloba Nthaga, and Tonota believe his arrival can transform them from early-season contenders into genuine title challengers. Speaking to Gazette Sport, Toteng said the club targeted a coach with a winning mentality and a track record of developing young players to match their vision.
A WINNER
“We believe he is a winner. We saw what he achieved at Gaborone United when he joined them mid season but still led them to league glory. We have ambitions of becoming only the second club from the North East region to win the Premier League in Botswana. He knows how to develop young players into formidable professionals, he has a good track record in fast tracking young players to the first team and we believe a lot of our young players will benefit from this,” Toteng told this publication.
Tonota’s ambition carries a strong regional undertone as the club is seeking to become only the second side from the North East region to win Botswana’s top-flight championship, following Ecco City Greens’ historic league triumph in 2007.
IMMEDIATE EXPECTATIONS
That target places immediate expectations on Pantev, whose previous success at Gaborone United has strengthened Tonota’s belief that he possesses the experience required to manage a title race.
The club is also confident that the new coach will not require a lengthy settling-in period. According to Toteng, Pantev demonstrated detailed knowledge of the squad during the recruitment process, potentially allowing him to hit the ground running.
“He will have two weeks to prepare over the international break. He already knows our players very well, so he will not struggle to get used to the team,” Toteng added. The international break therefore presents Pantev with an early opportunity to impose his methods before Tonota resume their league campaign.
Toteng believes that for a club already showing signs of competing near the top end of the table, the appointment represents more than a coaching change. The club has publicly raised the stakes, their target is no longer merely progression but a place in Botswana football history.