Mto eager to be Movers and shakers in playoffs

OR Tambo club set sights on ABC Motsepe League

HAPPY Movers are more than ready to compete in the SAB League playoffs which will see two teams gaining promotion to ABC Motsepe League in Grahamstown on Saturday.

The team set to represent the SafaOR Tambo region has been campaigning in the SAB League for two seasons. They are on a stunning run in the 2017-18 season and finished as the runners-up in their maiden season.

The club’s chairman, Wanda Mto, said being able to win the league on their second attempt has been overwhelming for them, but they worked extra hard.

“We are ready to compete for a promotion and we have been getting assistance from professionals in preparing the team.

“We are working with former Mthatha Bucks technical staff, and many other people – who are helping to bring back football to Mthatha and fulfilling the dreams of our players,” said Mto.

“We have experienced players that were playing in ABC Motsepe League at Mthatha City and they are helping our young and inexperienced players to adapt quickly.

“Our senior players are also helping us in terms of guiding the younger guys on and off the field.

“And they have been very instrumental in helping the younger players on how to absorb pressure on the pitch as well.”

Movers has been mentored by BoyBoy Mayathula, who is a former Orlando Pirates academy player, and Mto is confident that come Saturday, he will guide them into the third-tier league.

“We have a very formidable coach – he’s got the relevant experience after having played for Pirates and then he went to Ajax Cape Town, and then he came to play for Mthatha Bucks.

“So that experience has boosted the boys confidence as well as us management of the team.”

Movers have been drawn Pool A in what many have called “the group of death”.

This group comprises hosts Manchester United, Amavarara and Madibaz.

Amavarara and Madibaz were knocked out in last year’s playoffs at University of Fort Hare in Alice, so surely they will be out to turn things around as they look to rectify their mistakes of last season, and that includes Birmingham City in group B.

“We are expecting fireworks from our group. In those teams the only one we know for sure is Amavarara,” said Mto.

“We’ve played a friendly game against them and we won that game but we won’t rely on that, because it’s a different situation in a knockout tournament.

“Everyone will be looking to exploit one’s weakness, but at least we’ve got people who are observing these teams, so we have a plan on how to tackle this tournament.”

Mto said their players were highly motivated and were united in the cause which is to gain promotion to the third-tier league.

“We want to thank all the people that have supported us with donations, because they have made planning for this trip much easier for us.”