And now the pressure is on Mogoditshane Fighters’ captain, Omphitlhetse “Dunga” Tlhobogang, to lead his team to Coke Cup success tomorrow.
In 1999 and 2000 captain Masego “Abedi” Ntshingane guided Fighters to glory in the Coke Cup against FC Satmos and Gaborone United respectively.
In 2003, Donald “Boboza” Thobega, who is now with BDF XI successfully led the Brazilians to a narrow win over Township Rollers. These have definitely put pressure on Tlhobogang.
“I’m under immense pressure to deliver because since taking on the responsibilities, I have never led Fighters to a gold,” he said.
The 28-year-old said being a captain of Fighters means a lot since one is faced with challenges.
“After BDF withdrew their support for the team, I had a big task of motivating players so that they have confidence,” he said.
The Kgoro-born midfielder added that he wants to be part of another record breaking Fighters team.
Fighters is the only side to have won the Coke Cup three times, back to back.
They now intend to extend the record to four titles.
Tlhobogang, Barney Marman, Charles Mositwane and goalkeeper Joel Chonga have been with Fighters during the three Coke Cup titles.
“Dunga” won his first ever major cup in the 1999 Coke final against Satmos. He said the victory was sweet because Satmos used to give them a hard time.
He was buoyed by the presence of experienced stars like Patrick Molefe, Kenny Sakala and Modesto Chilundumane during the final.
“They were great players and used their experience to help me,” he said. His best Coke Cup final so far was last year against his childhood team, Rollers.
He said the fact that they were playing his family team made him live up to expectations.
“In the end, I was happy to have beaten Rollers and though my parents are Rollers supporters, they were happy for me,” he said.
Since joining Fighters from Uniao Flamengo Desportos in 1997, Tlhobogang has eight gold medals and a silver in different competitions.
Forthright and articulate like his opposite number at BDF XI Modiri Marumo, Dunga is ironically media shy.
But on the field, he exudes a degree of self-confidence bordering on arrogance by the way he eases past opponents to launch attacks, set up strikers or score goals. His contribution has been immense during this year’s campaign.
The Fighters captain gave credit to his mentor David Bright for turning the Brazilians into a force to reckon with. He said Bright is a great reader of the game and a brilliant trainer.
“It is because of his knowledge that we can recover and outclass our opponents,” he said.
The Fighters’ captain expects his coach to use his cup pedigree to come tops tomorrow.
“This does not mean that I take anything from our opponents,” he said.
