13 Aug 2018

Extension Gunners have parted ways with head coach Itumeleng Duiker a week before commencement of the new BTC Premiership campaign.

The former Zebras star appeared to be doing fairly well at the financially-stricken Peleng giants after taking over from Daniel Nare in March 2016.

He guided Gunners to a fourth and 10th place finish in the past two seasons with a team containing youngsters such as Mothusi Cooper, Thabo Metlhayotlhe, Michael Tinye, Vuyo Mankanku, Emmanuel Sekwena and Onalethata Khuta.

However, the new Gunners management has decided to swing the axe last week.

The club’s newly elected public relations officer Willoughby Kemoen confirmed the coach’s departure saying on August10, saying “we have dissolved the technical team from last season and are looking forward to hiring a new coach. We are talking with two parties and will hopefully conclude negotiations today.”

Kemoen confirmed media reports that the club was negotiating with former Sua Flamingos, Mogoditshane Fighters and Killer Giants coach Enos Mmesi to lead Mapantsula in the new campaign.

He explained that they have decided to hire a local coach because the club doesn’t have finances to recruit a foreign coach.

He said they would hire the new coach on six months contract to replace Duiker.

The Gunners mouthpiece further said they would cast their net wide and look for long term appointments after the six months contract has elapsed with their new coach.

He further said Gunners management was working round the clock to strengthen the team ahead of the new season.

Mapantsula have lost a number of key players amongst them Cooper who joined Township Rollers, Metlhayotlhe who  joined Sharps Shooting Stars and Sekwena who joined newly promoted Notwane respectively.

“Next week would be do or die for us. We would be making sure that we sign players before the transfer window closes,” said Kemoen.

He however refused to disclose whether the club was eyeing any big name players to strengthen the team.

Gunners open their 2018/19 campaign against Mochudi Centre Chiefs on Saturday at Lobatse Sports Complex. ENDS