It’s not only about Letsoaka – Stars boss
Not going anywhere…Free State Stars maintain that head coach Serame Letsoaka’s job is safe
The former Bafana Bafana assistant coach managed to save Ea Lla Koto from the dreaded relegation axe, following a tough half-season with the team
Free State Stars general manager Rantsi Mokoena has denied reports that Stars head coach Serame Letsoaka will be relieved of his duties following the Premier Soccer League outfit’s dismal performance in the just ended 2016/2017 season.
Speaking to The Weekly in Bethlehem this week, Mokoena said: “It’s not only the coach but the entire team that will be going under review and, once we’re done with that process, we will make an announcement.”
Mokoena said he was aware of ill-informed reports suggesting that Letsoaka will be fired as head coach, and insisted the decision taken by the entire management was that the whole team be reviewed, not only the coach.
“We’re clear that we will review the entire team’s performance; not only the position of the coach, but the team as a whole,” said Mokoena.
He added: “It’s you the media who choose to focus on the issue of the coach and overlook everything else that we’ve said.”
Letsoaka joined Stars in January as a replacement for Giovanni Solinas, after the Italian coach’s departure from the club. The 53-year old Letsoaka, who previously coached Bloemfontein Celtic before switching allegiance to Stars, signed a short-term deal with the Bethlehem outfit when he joined the team.
The former Bafana Bafana assistant coach managed to save Ea Lla Koto from the dreaded relegation axe, following a tough half-season with the team. Stars finished 14th on the PSL log, following their 0-0 draw with Chippa United in the last game of the season last Saturday.
Towards the end of the season, Stars reportedly reached out to renowned South African football coach, Gordon Igesund who had just parted ways with Highlands Park, which went on to be relegated at the end of the season. This was not to be as Igesund did not accept the job, which would have left Letsoaka out in the cold.
Despite Igesund turning down the offer, a source at the club has confirmed to the paper that Letsoaka’s job was indeed on the line. “I cannot confirm whether he is going on not. I can however confirm that his job is not safe as we speak,” said the source who wished to remain anonymous.
Meanwhile, interest in Stars winger Sinethemba Jantjie continues to grow following his sterling performances this season. While terms have not been agreed with any of the clubs that have shown interest in the player, it has also been confirmed that he will not be with the Bethlehem-based side next season.
“His issue has long been on the table even before the middle of the season. He defiantly won’t be with us come next season,” said source, who said conclusion of a deal was imminent.
However, Mokoena declined to comment on the matter, stating that he was not going to discuss something that was yet to be concluded. “Jantjie remains our player until such time that an official offer has been made,” said Mokoena.
