Coaching in lower ranks is hell - Paul

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday June 26, 2009 00:00

Early this year, Paul was tasked with leading the 'old lady' of Botswana football, Queens Happy Hearts to the First Division. After reviving the fortunes of Happy Hearts last year, owners Rabi Tshosa and Phadza Butale said they want to see their side winning promotion to the Premier League in two seasons. When they felt that the then coach Sheleng Mogorosi was not delivering, they opted for Paul. Since Paul took over, Happy Hearts have been unstoppable and have not lost a game in nine matches.

But while Paul is happy with the way things have gone for his side, he says being a coach in the Gaborone Second Division side has opened his eyes. 'When they (Happy Hearts owners) approached me, I didn't know what to expect because I have not been following the Second Division.

I didn't even know what kind of players the team had but after assessing them, I had confidence they could go all the way. All I needed was to instill discipline in the team,' he says.

Paul says that sometimes in the Second Division, there are no referees and the pitches are not fit for playing. He said another challenge is how to plan for opponents. 'There is a lot of inconsistency in that league because you cannot spy on opponents since they do not maintain the same squads. The players in that league are not motivated because there is no money, but at least I managed to keep my players going,' says the no-nonsense coach.

Paul says since his team is better managed, all their opponents wanted to beat them. This made life difficult for him and his charges. 'I thank the management because they have been helpful throughout the season. Without discipline we could not have stayed focused,' he says.

Happy Hearts challenged for the honours in the Second Division but was beaten to the finishing line by Security Systems. This means that they will compete in the First Division South promotion play-offs. The winner qualifies for the First Division South.