Moorosi Tsiane

IT IS not a secret that local Premier League teams are struggling financially and they need to plan every season accordingly.

Planning will help them avoid situations similar to that which Sandawana found itself in after it failed to fulfill fixtures and was subsequently disqualified from the league.

In fact, planning is vital for any venture to be successful and it was refreshing to hear Sport minister Mahali Phamotse saying the same to the newly appointed Local Organising Committee of the AUSC games last week.

“Planning an event is taking the appropriate decisions well in advance on what to do, how to do it, with what to do what you want to do and who to get to do whatever you want to do,” Phamotse said.

“Your plans therefore are your road map to reach your goals. If the plans are vague, obviously you will take an indirect route and get lost. Good plans will get you to your destination.”

Phamotse raised a valid point and I am sure she will also need to talk to the Premier League Management Committee (PLMC) and impress the same message.

Most of the premier league teams have started their pre-season preparations and some are busy on the market trying to boost their sides for the 2018/19 season.

This is a crucial time for the teams, especially the coaches who have to condition their squads according to how they expect them to play.

It is worrying that while all the other stakeholders are going about their preparations, the PLMC seems unmoved or at least they haven’t shown any intent for that.

It does not make sense that teams are yet to be informed when the league is expected to start.

Around the world, in countries where leagues run between August and May, the dates have long been released but that is not the case with our PLMC.

Teams cannot make proper budgets especially in this part of the world where they are under resourced. The teams also need to intensify their training to ensure that their sides are fit in time for the kick-off.  For that, coaches need to draft their training schedules.

The chaos that reigned supreme after the departure of former general manager, Baitsi Motsamai cannot go on unchecked.

While Motsamai has been replaced, it is saddening to note that the chaos seems to continue instead of being dealt with.

There is need for the PLMC to start taking their brand seriously so that at least they can attract sponsorship. We have heard that the Premier League sponsors (Econet Telecom Lesotho) want to bring in new innovations and we welcome them. However, PLMC must put the house in order first.