Whawha gone, but coach praises troops

WITH no budget to acquire experienced players, Whawha coach, Luke Petros, was given the mandate to build a team from the youths and some prison officers.

He stuck to that template and assembled an exciting youthful side he hoped was going to take him through the season.

They found a way to fulfil matches without courting chaos and, with a bit of luck, they hoped to survive the chop.

It never happened and Whawha were relegated.

However, Petros is unfazed and feels he has learnt a lot.

“The season has taught us a lot,” he said. “The way we started our season was bad and it had a bearing on where we are today.

“Our team was composed of youngsters such that our average age was 24.

“For most of the guys, it was their debut season in top-flight football. “We couldn’t buy seasoned players.

“We only had two choices, to look for youngsters and pick players from our organisation,” said Petros.

He unleashed youngsters like Jayden Bakare, Callum English-Brown as well as brothers, Washington and Wellington Mapuwa, among others.

“Our vision was to unlock the hidden talent within the youth by giving them a chance to express themselves and at the same time to also create a market for themselves.

“During the second half of the season, when the boys tried to pick up and started winning, it was a bit too late for us.

“The boys had hope and courage, but the timing was bad.

“Overall, the team had challenges in defending and we lacked goals in our attack the whole season.

“But, I am thankful to all my boys who remained disciplined and fulfilled all matches despite financial issues.”

He added:

“We managed to fulfill the mandate of the PSL and remain professional.

“As uniformed forces, I think the boys handled themselves well and showed how disciplined and professional they are.

“As coaches we really appreciate the role played by the players and the executive.

“The determination was awesome.” Whawha play Black Rhinos at Ascot on Saturday.