B’worth feel gung-ho over coach

As Butterworth prepare for their ABC Motsepe League fixture against Swartkops Valley United Brothers at NU2 Stadium in Motherwell on Friday, the struggling team has received a major boost to their campaign after signing Pikolomzi Noqazo as their new head coach.

This was the feeling of Butterworth chairperson Banzi Siyongwana, who told the Daily Dispatch that after losing their former coach Nyaniso Mfihlo, the team started struggling and, if it wasn’t for the dedication of his players, they’d be doomed.

Siyongwana said Noqazo, who is a former attacking midfielder who played for Carara Kicks who campaigned in the National First Division years ago, would bring “stability into the team”.

“We are left with 10 games, and I’ve only lost to the highflying teams, but still they beat us with small margins.

“In order to ensure our survival in the league we must at least win five games,” said Siyongwana.

“Because what was affecting the team’s performance has been the lack of a head coach, because coaches now want remunerations which we don’t have as a club. But now we have a capable coach.

“And we are playing against teams that have incentives for their players, but I’m running the club on my own.

“The commitment of the team is what has been pushing us, even though we don’t have incentives like other clubs.”

Siyongwana said winning against Brothers away from home to secure three points that would propel them to 19 points and position 11 on the log would go a long way in boosting his charges’ confidence.

“Should they keep losing they’ll end up being demoralised too. So this game can help boost their confidence levels. Like what has happened at Chippa United – they got a coach [Clinton Larsen] at the right time.

“And I strongly believe that coach Pikolomzi, who has been assisting us, is the man for the job.

“He has played at the club and I’m happy he’s finally taking over officially.

“He brings a lot of experience with him, and he’s very close with all the players. He’s got that link with the players. They all can talk to him freely.

“So I’m expecting one point at least from this game against Brothers, and with the two games we’ll play at home, we need to secure six points.

“With the return of Pikolomzi there’s going to be changes in the way we perform.” Other Friday fixtures: Future Tigers v

Tornado (Uitenhage)