Leemisa Thuseho
ECONET Premier League reigning coach of the year Thabile Secker and the EPL tenderfoots Lijabatho are close to signing an agreement that will see the gaffer stay at the club for a lengthy period, the Sunday Express can reveal.
Secker joined Lijabatho in January this year on a six months contract after dumping Teya-Teyaneng giants Lioli FC.
Secker had joined Lioli at the beginning of the 2019/20 season after helping Matlama win their 10th league title last season.
Speaking to Sunday Express yesterday, Secker confirmed that were already in talks with the team about extending his stay at the club.
Although he could not say how long the contract would be, Secker said he was indeed interested in staying at the club once they put pen to paper.
“I haven’t signed a contract ye but we are already in talks with the team,” Secker said.
“For now, we are working harmoniously and I do not see any reason why I should not sign a new contract with the club.”
Although he is confident that he is going to stay at the club, Secker said the offer must be reasonable.
“Even though things are good here, it doesn’t mean I will just sign the new contract even it doesn’t satisfy me,” Secker said.
For his part, Lijabatho communications and marketing manager Tšepiso Thoso confirmed the team’s desire to retain Secker’s services citing that even though they were still in the relegation zone, they foresee a bright future under Secker’s leadership.
“The management is yet to hold final talks with the coach and map the way forward but the signs are positive for an extension… We still need Secker to coach the team,” Thoso said.
Since joining Lijabatho, Secker has led the team to a nil-all draw with Linare and 1-1 draw with defending champions, Matlama.
He won 2-0 over Sefotha-fotha and lost 5-0 to LMPS and 1-0 defeat to Liphakoe.
Lijabatho are struggling to step out of the relegation zone and currently sit 13th out of the 14-team league table and Secker is faced with a mammoth task of rescuing the side.