The newly promoted Joe’s Express FC are ready for a new life in the Safa Second Division League. This after the Niani-based side gained promotion from the SAB League through the respected way of promotion three weeks ago.

Joe’s Express, together with Winners Park from the Mopani District, finished their promotional play-off matches in the second and first place.

According to the team’s managing director, Mr Joe Malala, they only celebrated their promotion for a few days before starting with preparations for the challenges in the higher division. Malala revealed that they will keep the players who promoted them to the Safa Second Division and only strengthen the departments which need some reinforcement. He reiterated the fact that they do not want to destabilise the team by overhauling it completely, saying they had full confidence in the squad that had made them proud in the play-offs.

He further indicated that they are in the process of appointing a full-time head coach. He praised the coach, Edwin “Cafu” Ramphabana,  who had guided the team to glory last season. According to him, Ramphabana cannot work as the full-time head coach as he is a full-time public servant. ‘It would be good to keep Mr Ramphabana in the team’s hot seat, but, unfortunately, it will not be possible,” said Malala.

He added, however, that they are in the process of signing three seasoned players in a bid to beef up the current squad.

He also announced that they had identified the Lesley Manyathela Stadium in Musina as a suitable venue for their home ground. He vehemently denied the rumour that they are planning to sell the team’s franchise, saying they would not be spending sleepless nights preparing the team for the second division heat if they were considering such a move.