RECENTLY crowned Vodacom Premier League Champions, Matlama FC have rewarded their head coach Molebatsi Mothobi with a new two-year deal after leading the club to the biggest prize in domestic football.

Mothobi, who began his journey with Tse Putsoa as the assistant coach, took over the reins after the Sea-Point-based outfit parted ways with the Malawian mentor, Charles Manda in the early stages of the 2020/2021 season that lasted over two years due to the disruptions brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mothobi’s two assistant coaches, Mohale Mokoena and Sello Seholoholo also penned new two-year contracts with the team, making it clear that they want to keep their league winning technical squad for a longer period.

“For me the new contract is not a reward for leading the team to the league title. I think it was in their plans though I can’t say why they chose to remain with the current technical team,” Mothobi said.

The Matlama head coach admitted that there will be a whole load of pressure on their shoulders in the new season in order to deliver trophies again.

He also believes they are on the right track as they have already secured the services of Thabiso Mari from the relegated FC Likhopo.

“I think we can get better as a team and for the coming season, the dream is to retain the title and also win other trophies that will be on offer,” adds the league winning coach.

“As for the new contracts for the technical team, it has been one conducive environment with different characters, different roles that complement one another.

“So, to work with such kind of a technical team is an advantage and I think the management of this club knows what it is doing,” he said.

While Matlama have always attracted coaches with big CVs such as former Likuena coaches in the likes of Seephephe Matete, Moses Maliehe, Bomber Matete and Halemakale Mahlaha - the current Tse Putsoa coach is still work in progress as this was his first trophy coaching at the highest level of football in the country.