16 Jul 2014

Premier league debutants, Sankoyo Bush Buck, recently hosted a four-team tournament as part of their preparations for the season that will start next month.

The tournament attracted Jwaneng Comets, Orapa United, Maun Tigers and Sankoyo Bush Bucks.

Bucks were crowned champions after winning all their games. In an interview, Bush Bucks chairperson, Mokolobetsi Pelekekae said the idea of hosting the tournament was from Jwaneng Comets coach, Oris Radipotsane who also wanted to test the fitness of his new team.

He said initially they targeted big teams such as Township Rollers and BDF XI who declined the invitation at the last minute because of their unknown reasons. 

He said the tournament offered his team an opportunity to test new players who were on trials. “We also had an opportunity to test the physical fitness of our players because we want to get ready for the premier league,” he added.

He said their main objective in the premier league would be to compete and sustain their position in the elite league not to become champions. He said the team had no financial muscle but believed that potential sponsors would come forth as time went on.

For his part, Bush Bucks coach, Gadimang Teiso expressed happiness regarding the team’s performance. He said preparations for the premier league season were at advanced stage, adding that they managed to recruit quality players from outside the country.

“This pre-season tournament is more like a trialist tournament and it also gave us the chance to see where to beef up the team.  The boys impressed me and I am optimistic that we would compete well in the premier league,” he stated.

Orapa United public relations officer, Tebatso Hule said the tournament was more like a practice to his team as they had a new coach who wanted to see the performance of the players. 

He said the tournament also helped them to prepare for the next season. ENDS