Against the odds, BDF XI were crowned national champions after beating relegated Mochudi Centre Chiefs 1-0 at the National Stadium.
At the start of the season, BDF XI aka “Matebele” were not convincing and nobody gave them a chance of retaining the league title.
The reasons were simple. A number of key players who helped Matebele to the title last season left while others were sidelined by injuries.
Gary Mkhandawire, Thebeetsile Raditsebe, Pius Kolagano, Madeluka Tema and Derrick Malunga left the team for different reasons.
Veteran Louis Setshwane and Patrick Sunday were not part of the team for the better part of this season because of injuries.
Whenever things looked better for Matebele, indiscipline of some players affected the team. But the management responded well and addressed the problems. The players are said to have admitted that they were aware of the task at hand and agreed to pull up their socks.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Tshosane said he sought help from God. “I’m glad that things finally got right and eventually we won the title,” he said.
Tshosane who is a staunch member of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) added that he knew that when the season draws to an end, fatigue will affect some teams.
Because of all these problems, Tshosane said he asked his employers the Botswana Defence Force(BDF) to release him but they were reluctant.
“I’ve been doing so many things at a go hence I wanted permission to be released,” he said. Tshosane is attending evening studies and is currently the assistant coach for the Zebras.
He said all these affected his concentration at club level. Since he joined the team in 2000 as head coach, Matebele has never finished outside the top four.
“This is all because of great planning because I never relax even during the holidays,” he said.
Tshosane is now eyeing the Coca Cola Cup, which will be launched tonight. This is one cup which has eluded him at Matebele.
“This is one cup I want to win and even my colleagues think the same,” he said. Under Tshosane, BDF XI have been knocked out in the early stages of the cup by lower division teams.
“I want to thank the management, players and the supporters for being behind me during all this time,” he said.
Tshosane also thanked his family for their support. “I hardly spend time at home.”
He jokingly said that his wife never knows whether he is at BDF XI or Zebras.
