'Big Joe' Stands Tall

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Monday August 17, 2009 00:00

 

The league champions' captain walked away with P50,000, the biggest individual cash prize at the glittering ceremony held at the Gaborone International Convention Centre (GICC) and attended by the who is who of local soccer. It was GU's night as the champions were presented with P1 million with rookie midfielder, Ofentse 'Size 10' Nato walking away with two awards and Mike Sithole the coach of the year diadem. Assistant Minister of Agriculture, Shaw Kgathi, was the guest of honour at the awards.

Phethogo warded off a fierce challenge from his team mate, Nato and Mochudi Centre Chiefs' defender, Given Mpundu to emerge tops.

The steely defender, who returned from a stint with Nathi Lions in South Africa, was instrumental in GU's charge to their first title in 19 years. Nato, who was favoured to walk away with the big prize, did not leave empty-handed after being named the players' player of the season and supporters' player of the season. He pocketed P35,000 for both awards.

It was another barren night for Mpundu who lost to teammate, Oteng 'OT' Moalosi in the race for last season's top award.  Master Masitara, who was not present at the Friday ceremony got the top goal scorer's award for his 27 goals. The Zimbabwean striker has joined a Mozambican club.

As expected, GU coach, Mike Sithole, retained the coach of the year title, beating fellow countrymen, Beston Chambeshi and Stanley Mwaanga. Lekgotla Johannes was adjudged the referee of the season while Elijah Masita walked away with the assistant referee award.

In the media category, Tiro Lepotikisi was voted the best electronic journalist while Monnakgotla Mojaki beat Mmegi/Monitor's Chippa Legodimo and Kabelo Dipholo of Echo to win the print award. Kabo Lemporwane was the best photographer.

Speakers on the night were unanimous that the just-ended campaign was one of the most exciting in recent years largely due to the massive P5 million per season sponsorship from be MOBILE.

Premier League Committee (PLC) chairperson, Mike Molefe said the season was largely successful, despite challenges particularly the shortage of stadia.

He expressed optimism that the shortage of facilities will be addressed next season with the completion of renovation or construction works in the closed stadia. He called for the reduction of the stadium levy, saying such a move would go a long way in contributing to the growth of football.

Molefe said the move towards professionalism is challenging but it should be successfully pursued. 'The road towards professionalism is long and winding. If we don't sing the same song, we might not be able to achieve our goals,' Molefe said.

He said it is imperative that the PLC handles its own affairs, which would see protests being dealt with expeditiously without causing inconveniences to the running of the game.

Molefe said the PLC is hopeful that the marriage with be MOBILE goes beyond the three-year sponsorship contract.

'We are looking beyond the three years and the same applies to Botswana Television which brought broadcasting rights. We hope to continue this partnership,' Molefe said.

Be MOBILE Chief Executive Officer, Thapelo Lippe said the awards are the result of a collective effort. He pledged his company's support to local football beyond the three-year sponsorship agreement. 'It is the first of three years and many more to come. We will walk with the league, walk with the supporters and even go to Parliament to defend the league,' Lippe said.

He said it was saddening that lives were lost in the past season due to the unavailability of stadia in Gaborone and supporters were forced to travel out of the city to watch matches. He said everything is being done to ensure the availability of playing facilities in the next season.

Kgathi, who was standing in for Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture, Gladys Kokorwe, said the fruits of the long term plan started under Ghanaian, Ben Kofie were being realised.

He said the P1 million first prize, stirred competition among clubs.

'The P1 million prize money stirred progressive competition among clubs. I challenge other companies to do what be MOBILE and Btv (broadcasting rights) have done,' Kgathi said.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, David Fani concurred that the huge sponsorship had energised the clubs. 'The sponsorship energised everyone. Be MOBILE has raised the bar,' he said. Fani added that the shortage of stadia will be resolved as new facilities become available in the next season.

GU chairperson, Judge Mookodi said their three-year vision has born fruit. He said the club intends to participate in the CAF Champions League to give the young players exposure.

'We intend to venture into Africa to give the boys valuable exposure. We have rough diamonds who gelled well this season,' Mookodi said.

The glamorous night came to a befitting end when GU players, on stage to receive their prize money, burst into their trade mark sunset celebration as the fireworks went off.