Sithole tipped for Gunners coaching job
Veteran Zambian coach, Mike Sithole is reportedly the leading candidate to fill in the current vacant head coach post at Lobatse’s Extension Gunners following Wame Mokoke’s resignation earlier this week. Close sources revealed that before the end of this week, Gunners management would have announced Sithole as the new man to lead Mapantsola.
The vastly experienced coach should, a deal be agreed, will be joining the Peleng giants for the second time after he rescued the team from the jaws of relegation in 2014. The Zambian has been in Botswana for some time now and is currently overseeing Sormerset Gobuiwang’s Molepolole City, who are competing in the Kweneng Division 1 league. Having worked with Extension Gunners before, the clubs’ hierarchy sees Sithole as an ideal replacement to Mokoke as he understands the club’s recent financial struggles.
Before appointing Molefe Motlhala ahead of this current season, Sithole was tipped to take over the reins at the club but the two parties could not agree on the offer that was on the table.
The tables have turned now, with an opportunity to manage a Premier League outfit once again appears to be an enticing challenge Sithole is desperately craving and a substantial paycheck has gone down the pecking order of his priorities— for now.
Sithole boasts a rich resume, having won local league titles and guided Jwaneng Galaxy to their maiden Mascom Top 8 trophy. He has led some of the local giants including, Mochudi Center Chiefs, Gaborone United, Township Rollers, Police XI and several other lower teams. “There are several coaches who have already shown interest for the post, we are still assessing our options and hopefully before the end of this week, we will unveil our new coach,” inside source at Gunners revealed. Quizzed whether Sithole is their prime candidate, the official would not be drawn into conclusion but did agree that the coach is amongst a list of candidates who have expressed a keen interest to lead the club.
“He is one of the candidates yes, he has the qualifications; he knows the team, he knows the league and he is someone that has the capacity to continue off from where Pepezino left.
The current crop of our players are committed to elevating this club to greater heights and we need someone who will be able to get the best out of them. We have also received CVs’ from as far as Serbia, so we are still assessing our options,” Gunners official stated.
The league champions of 1992, 1993 and 1994, Extension Gunners have in recent years prioritized local coaches, amongst others, China Matlhaku, Enos Mmesi, Pontsho Moloi, Tumi Duiker, Daniel Nare, Wame Mokoke and the late Keitumetse Pio Paul.
Mokoke appeared to be exactly what the doctor has ordered for Mapantsola; taking over a winless Gunners after three ( 3) games, he [ Mokoke] turned the clubs’ fortunes around and picked up some impressive results.