The rise and fall of Sithole

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday December 4, 2009 00:00

He left in a huff midway through the 2007-2008 season but he had already made his mark. Sithole is largely credited for laying the foundation that saw Chiefs' win their first ever title. At the time he left, Chiefs were unbeaten and went on to win the title under another Zambian, Beston Chambeshi.

Sithole joined GU and led them to the league title before his recent unceremonious departure. He has resurfaced at BMC where he has been offered a new lease of life. But unlike the previous two assignments, he faces the tough task of rescuing a club from relegation. It is a huge task for a coach who has enjoyed the privilege of leading big sides teeming with talent since his arrival in Botswana. BMC is probably where his coaching credentials will be put under severe test. When Sithole arrived in Botswana, Chiefs were a big club searching for their first silverware.

He chased Francistown side, ECCO City Greens as they romped to their first ever title in 2007 with Chiefs finishing second. He proved his mettle in his second season in charge of Magosi when he led them to a 16-game unbeaten run in the first round. But without warning, he jumped ship in January 2008 and joined GU. He then organised GU into a neatly woven outfit that gave chase to Chiefs in the title race. Chiefs won the title for the first time and Sithole, though with GU, was largely credited for landing the Kgatleng side the championship.  GU came second and the caoch was seen as having competed against himself. First he took Chiefs to the top, before going down to pick GU who finished second. He was duly named the coach of the year for the 2007-2008 season. He confirmed that the diadem was no fluke when he led GU to their first league title in 19 years. Although few people gave GU a chance to walk away with the honours, he showed his tactical acumen when he achieved success with mostly average players. His emphasis was on team-work and this worked well for him. His whirlwind success made him into an instant hero at GU. Scenes of jubilation that engulfed Molepolole Sports Complex, the venue of GU's league triumph, told a story.

Sithole was lifted high, tossed in the air as fans chanted his name and wanted him to take charge of the Zebras. In fact, midway through GU's campaign, there was talk that the man nicknamed 'Dubula Dubula', would be given the huge responsibility of leading the Zebras. He seemed ready for the challenge. Most soccer fans were in unison that the big Zambian was the right man to succeed Stan Tshosane.

 It became a known secret that Sithole had applied for the Zebras' job amid reports that he was stalling signing a new contract at GU. Division in the Botswana Football Association (BFA) proved fatal to his chances of landing the Zebras' job. Still basking in the glory of GU's league triumph, Sithole focused his attention on retaining the league. However, something was wrong at the league champions.  There was a player revolt at the beginning of the season over bonuses, which saw key members, captain Itai Gwandu and striker, Sageby Sandaka suspended. Gwandu eventually left to join rivals, Township Rollers while Sandaka's attempted move to Chiefs stalled and he remained at GU. Sithole started the season badly with three consecutive draws. GU travelled to Francistown to face rookies Motlakase Power Dynamos who shocked them 4-1.  There are reports that Sithole faced a hostile executive over the team's performance and was grilled for his failure to beat a 'nonentity' like Motlakase. This marked the beginning of the end of his reign at GU. His charges bounced back in the next match, thrashing Boteti Young Fighters 6-2 and GU fans thought their side was back on track. A trip to Nico United only yielded one point after a 1-1 draw and there were murmurs of discontent in the GU camp.  Then on the eve of the big encounter against Chiefs, GU dropped a bombshell. Their championship winning coach had been suspended. Details remained hazy as GU were led to the slaughter by a rampant Chiefs who won 2-0.  Sithole's hearing was scheduled for last Wednesday but was postponed to the following day when he was relieved of his duties. Ahead of the match, it is said his loyalty was in question with unsubstantiated reports saying he had been compromised. This marked the fall of a coach who has enjoyed unparalleled success since his arrival in 2006.

But like a cat that has many lives, BMC immediately threw him a lifeline and ignored the 'professional misconduct' accusation that he was slapped with by GU. 'Why are issues of professional misconduct only arising now that the team is performing badly?' queried BMC spokesperson, Themba Stimela. The question is; will Sithole, who has coached two high profile clubs in Botswana, thrive at a relatively small side like BMC? Time will tell.