Newly appointed VTM FC head coach, Leutlwetse Tshireletso marks his return to the club with a tricky Debswana First Division South League encounter against Union Flamengo Santos on Sunday. The former Township Rollers defender was announced as Nelson Olebile’s replacement this week.

Although the announcement of Olebile’s sacking only came this week, rumours of his departure gained momentum over the weekend when he did not appear on the bench for VTM’s Orange FA Cup clash against Mochudi Centre Chiefs. A solitary goal from Magosi was enough to dump VTM out of the Last 32 round of the knockout competition on Saturday. Before the FA Cup loss, VTM had also lost ground in the race for promotion after a shocking defeat to Tlokweng United a fortnight ago. Interestingly, Olebile joined VTM in November last year, replacing Tshireletso with the club saying he did not have the necessary qualifications to lead a second-tier club. He has since acquired a BFA B Coaching Licence which allows him to head the club’s technical team. “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Leutlwetse ‘Luu’ Tshireletso as our head coach. This follows his success in acquiring the necessary licences to coach at a higher league. Luu will resume duty immediately,” the club announced this week.

Against Santos, they face an unpredictable side, which will also rely much on their home support. The Gabane-based side recently shocked Chiefs away in Mochudi.

VTM will go into the match as favourites but on the log standings, only one point separates the two sides with Tshireletso’s side sitting at position six with 22 points. Santos are seventh with 21 points from 14 matches. In another interesting encounter scheduled for Sunday, giant killers, Tlokweng United will host second-placed Notwane at Tlokweng VDC Ground. Toronto, as Notwane are affectionately known, lost their position at the top following their 0-0 draw against CRACKiT City Polar. The draw between Notwane and City Polar saw Matebele shoot to the top with eight matches remaining for each side before the season comes to an end.

Notwane will now be looking to bounce back to winning ways but will be without their head coach, Thaloba Nthaga who has travelled with the Zebras to Morocco for a training camp. They remain second on the log standings but only a superior goal difference separates them and City Polar who will be at home to high-riding Young Stars tomorrow. Arguably the most interesting fixture of the weekend, both City Polar and Young Stars cannot afford to drop points considering the tight competition in the top seven bracket. Young Stars, who currently occupy position five, could drop to position seven if they lose on Saturday. City Polar on the other hand will be hoping for a comfortable victory and pray that log leaders Matebele drop points against Black Forest away in Mmankgodi. Matebele are under the tutelage of Elias Chinyemba who has constantly proven his credentials after stints with TAFIC and Chiefs. At Holy Ghost Park, Matebejana will take on Chiefs who trail the log leaders by five points.