Bit of background to begin with: I'm a CM / FM fanatic since the very first edition in 1992. I have been meaning to do one of these super hard challenges for years, but never had the guts or the time to invest. Here's my very first take on this special challenge; enjoy the ride!
Meet Ugnius Miki, a 29 year old Lithuanian born in Trakai (chosen through a random name and city generator). With a basic knowledge of English to help him complete what seemed impossible, he applied to all available Manager jobs open on 13th July 2023, totalling 132!
After just 2 days, he had already been offered several Under 20 international jobs, as well as a high paying gig with the Qatari national team. But rumours told him there were better offers in the pipeline, so he waited another 2 days. And the rumours proved true, with several enticing offers from round the globe arriving in his inbox.
After rejecting a Welsh 2nd division club, a Japanese 3rd league team, and a bunch of others, he finally went in for an interview with Black Leopards, a team in the South African Championship. They have a solid background, a positive bank balance, and a semi-decent starting eleven.
Not before long, and the acceptance mail was in the bag! First job after just a week in the market. Following a meeting with the players, staff and media, he got to work. First up was a Head Physio, followed by Head Scout and several other backroom staff. Once that was sorted, he turned to the current batch of free transfers, of which several promising options were offered 4 week trials. Of highest priority was defenders, with the existing squad consisting of many AMC’s and strikers.
In came Emmanuel Letlotlo, a 27 year old fast striker, Cheslyn Jampies, a 33 year old solid left back, and Marco Slinger, a decent right winger due to a lack of options on the wings. Their star player was a free from AmaZulu FC, a DMC called Khumalo. A backup centre back called Monyepao came in, and another left back, who was immediately re-trained to a DR to provide cover on the right side.
Pre-season was great, with the Leopards going unbeaten in 5 matches, scoring 32 and conceding 4. First game of the season, at home to City Rovers, was expected to be a draw, but they finished with a resounding 3-0 victory, with the only downside being a three week lay-off for the right back.
The results continued astounding the critics, with the team going unbeaten until March, when they had their first blip in form.
They made it all the way to the South African Cup semis, where they lost to the leaders of the Premiership, Mamelodi. And their unbeaten league run following their mid-season slump also came to an end in the final game, where they lost 1-0 despite dominating.
Top scorer was the CB/DM Khumalo, who scored regularly from corners. Letlotlo proved an inspiration, scoring 19 and assisting 13.
However....finances were not great at all, and they had a negative balance until the prize money came in. Their ***-man was nabbed mid-season, and they couldn't afford to replace him. And...all the top players are out of contract at the end of the season as the club couldn't afford to renew their contracts earlier.
Let's see where season two takes him, now in the SA Premiership with the big guns.
Meet Ugnius Miki, a 29 year old Lithuanian born in Trakai (chosen through a random name and city generator). With a basic knowledge of English to help him complete what seemed impossible, he applied to all available Manager jobs open on 13th July 2023, totalling 132!
After just 2 days, he had already been offered several Under 20 international jobs, as well as a high paying gig with the Qatari national team. But rumours told him there were better offers in the pipeline, so he waited another 2 days. And the rumours proved true, with several enticing offers from round the globe arriving in his inbox.
After rejecting a Welsh 2nd division club, a Japanese 3rd league team, and a bunch of others, he finally went in for an interview with Black Leopards, a team in the South African Championship. They have a solid background, a positive bank balance, and a semi-decent starting eleven.
Not before long, and the acceptance mail was in the bag! First job after just a week in the market. Following a meeting with the players, staff and media, he got to work. First up was a Head Physio, followed by Head Scout and several other backroom staff. Once that was sorted, he turned to the current batch of free transfers, of which several promising options were offered 4 week trials. Of highest priority was defenders, with the existing squad consisting of many AMC’s and strikers.
In came Emmanuel Letlotlo, a 27 year old fast striker, Cheslyn Jampies, a 33 year old solid left back, and Marco Slinger, a decent right winger due to a lack of options on the wings. Their star player was a free from AmaZulu FC, a DMC called Khumalo. A backup centre back called Monyepao came in, and another left back, who was immediately re-trained to a DR to provide cover on the right side.
Pre-season was great, with the Leopards going unbeaten in 5 matches, scoring 32 and conceding 4. First game of the season, at home to City Rovers, was expected to be a draw, but they finished with a resounding 3-0 victory, with the only downside being a three week lay-off for the right back.
The results continued astounding the critics, with the team going unbeaten until March, when they had their first blip in form.
They made it all the way to the South African Cup semis, where they lost to the leaders of the Premiership, Mamelodi. And their unbeaten league run following their mid-season slump also came to an end in the final game, where they lost 1-0 despite dominating.
Top scorer was the CB/DM Khumalo, who scored regularly from corners. Letlotlo proved an inspiration, scoring 19 and assisting 13.
However....finances were not great at all, and they had a negative balance until the prize money came in. Their ***-man was nabbed mid-season, and they couldn't afford to replace him. And...all the top players are out of contract at the end of the season as the club couldn't afford to renew their contracts earlier.
Let's see where season two takes him, now in the SA Premiership with the big guns.