Re-elected Bantu president John Leuta
Mikia Kalati
Businessman John Leuta was reelected Bantu president on Sunday and has vowed to lead A Matšo Matebele back to its glory days.
A Matšo Matebele held executive elections one year ahead of schedule after a disastrous 2015/16 season in which the team finished 7th on the 14-team table.
According to Leuta, the club faces the difficult job of appointing a coach capable of revitalising the team which won its maiden premier league title in 2013/14.
“We went to the polls on Sunday and the club has shown faith in my ability to continue leading this team,” Leuta said.
“Our committee now has three vice-presidents when we used to have one and the main priority is for us to come with a roadmap that can take this team to new heights.”
Leuta, who is also the premier league boss, said Bantu spent over M1.3 million last season and need to rebrand in order to attract sponsorship.
“Running this club is very expensive; this is why it is important to rebrand ourselves by attracting the corporate sector and retaining those who are already on board,” Leuta said.
“We have to be a brand the sponsors can be proud to work with and invest in it because the team needs big monies to be successful.
“There was a time when we appeared to be on the right track and we have to go back to those days again.”
On the team’s new coach, Leuta said the committee would have to appoint the right man for the charge.
“We need to appoint the right man to lead this team and that has to be as soon as possible,” said Leuta.
“It has to be somebody very good at working with young players. We want Bantu to be a team that wins trophies every season like we used to do a few years ago.
“Like I indicated earlier on, the target is to have that coach before the team begins preparations for the new season on 30 June. We are looking even across the border going as far as Zimbabwe for a new coach.”
Bantu’s new executive
President-John Leuta; vice-presidents-Molefi Lengoasana, Jimmy Lenka, Arsema Workubile; Public Relations Officer-Motlatsi Mofokeng; committee members- Tefo Rabolinyane, Tumisang Ramanyaka, Kopano Nchephe, Molupe Lehohla.
