Leemisa Thuseho
AFTER leading CCX FC to its first ever premier league promotion, coach Motlatsi Thibinyane says he is ready to face the challenges that come with top flight football.
Although his contract with the club is ending this month, Thibinyane hopes it will be extended.
The former Butha-Buthe Warriors coach joined CCX in the 2017/18 season and helped the team finish in the top four last season.
CCX were declared the A Division north stream champions last week after the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) resolved to end the soccer season in its current state in the various leagues due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Manonyane FC, from the southern stream were also promoted into the premier league.
This is not the first time Thibinyane will be coaching in the premier league having helped Butha-Buthe Warriors earn promotion in the 2014/15 season.
Thibinyane said he was ready for the grueling experiences of the premiership. In fact, so confident is he that he boasts that he has never been relegated from the premiership.
“I have coached Joy FC in 2005 and Mpharane Celtic 2012 and I have never been relegated from the premier league,” Thibinyane said.
“I am experienced and I know I can coach any team in the premiership.”
Although his side was promoted before finishing all the games of the season, he feels they deserve the promotion on the back of an impressive campaign.
“I joined CCX during winter break in 2017/18 and I made a long-term plan. Our first achievement was finishing in the top four last season. We have stuck with the plan.
“We deserved the promotion because we have worked hard since 2017, therefore we are reaping the rewards.”
He said although the team’s management is yet to start negotiating with him for a contract extension, he is hopeful.
“The management will have to make the decision but I am still available if they still need my services.”
Thibinyane holds a Confederation of African Football (CAF) B Coaching Licence.
While his future at the club is yet to be secured, he has advised the management to secure sponsors so that it can have the financial muscle to attract classy players.
His hope is that the side finishes the upcoming season in the top eight.
CCX general manager Tumo Mabokoane said the team’s executive would soon meet to discuss Thibinyane’s future and its preparation for the 2020/21 season.