Newly appointed head coach of Motsepe Foundation Championship side The Bees FC, Joel Masutha, has revealed his mandate at the Mpumalanga-based side.
Masutha was announced as the club’s new leader last Friday to steer the ship at the National First Division [NFD] newcomers. The Bees were one of the three clubs promoted last season during the SAFA ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs.
However, the club has struggled to compete for promotion to the top-flight and is currently just two points above the relegation zone. The Bees sit in 13th position with 19 points from 17 matches, having 12 games remaining in the season.
The former Chippa United mentor will be assisted by Velile Zitha, who had been serving as interim co-coach alongside Thokozane Ngomane. Ngomane is set to transition into the role of technical director.
WHAT JOEL MASUTHA INTENDS TO ACHIEVE AT MOTSEPE FOUNDATION CHAMPIONSHIP CLUB
Masutha’s first task at the club will be a difficult encounter against promotion chasers Casric Stars away at the Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in KwaMhlanga on Friday, 27 February.
Masutha, who led Black Leopards to promotion during the 2017/18 season, says his immediate task is to save the club from relegation before chasing the ‘possible dream’ of a spot in the promotion play-offs.
“The mandate is survival, and we have to try to achieve that as soon as possible,” he told FARPost.
“Of course, if there are other opportunities for starting to dream, then that will be a secondary thing. But our primary focus is to make sure that the status is safe.”
NEWLY APPOINTED THE BEES COACH IS EXCITED TO BE BACK IN THE DUGOUT
“I am thrilled to be back in the system. I am looking forward to making an immediate impact. Obviously, I can’t do it alone. I will need everyone, including the players, because I have seen the club and believe there is huge potential in the squad.
“So I am looking forward to pushing the boys to the limit and making sure that we save the team from relegation.”
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