Technical bench shake up ahead
As the 2018/19 BTC premiership league winds up, there is a high possibility that coach transfer movement will be the highlight of the 2019/20-transfer window period and the pre season preparations.
Already three big names in the league of Jwaneng Galaxy, Gaborone United and Township Rollers are penetrating the market in search of new coaches for next season. Coach Miguel Da Costa of Galaxy is allegedly eyeing a move to league giants Township Rollers at the end of the 2018/19 season. BG Sport was reliably informed by one of Rollers’s technical team members that Da Costa has explained that if he does not land a job at Rollers, then he is most likely to leave the country for greener pastures.
What the Portuguese coach is reported to be in need of is a chance to prove himself at a champions league stage. The gaffer won the Mascom Top 8 glory this season to register his first local success with Galaxy.Galaxy spokesperson, Tankiso Morake confirmed this week that the coach’s contract with the club will expire at the end of the season and they are still hopeful that they will convince the gaffer to stay. “We really enjoyed his services however, he has asked that contract talks be postponed until the very last league game,” Morake said.
He would however explain that Da Costa has not confirmed to them of any intentions of joining the Rollers side and always laughs off the matter when questioned. On the other side, Rollers coach Rodolfo Zapata whose contract also comes to an end this month is ready to pack his bags at the Rollers house. BG Sport gathered that no talks concerning contract extension with Zapata have taken place to this end. It is believed that Rollers is now looking for a replacement for the Argentine coach who only joined the club on a six months contract last year.
Zapata came in following the departure of former coach Nikola Kavazovic and the club president and financier Jagdish Shah allegedly spearheaded the Argentine’s appointment. The move left the Rollers technical department divided and there is no guarantee what is most likely to happen should Shah overrule and retain Zapata. On the other side of town, Philemon Makhwengwe who came to Gaborone United’s rescue last year to ensure they secure a top 8 spot might be shown the exit door when his contract comes to an end next month.
It is not clear where Makhwengwe went wrong however, it seems Gaborone United management is not convinced and happy with his capabilities. He too has no offer on the table from GU and in his latest interview with this publication, he explained that he is happy that he delivered on his assignments, which was among others to rise from the relegation spot and finish in the top 8 spot. An official at GU when explaining their reasons for doubting Da Phil said it was worrisome that despite finishing in the top 8 category, the team struggled to collect maximum points even when playing low ranked teams.