Charisma aside, Butler faces a mountain

Mbongeni Mguni | Friday February 14, 2014 15:34

 

Ben Kgomela was also to be introduced as the new technical director, but this was largely considered a side issue. Butler’s announcement was the main course, and BFA president, Tebogo Sebego expectedly said it was the highlight of his presidency.

On a day Botswana football probably changed direction, Sebego surprisingly chose a sombre all black top and shirt. The new coach was wearing a more optimistic colour, a slim fit white shirt.

Butler did not enjoy much of a decorated playing career, with his highlight coming when he played for English Premier League side West Ham.  His coaching career is chequered as well, as he has criss-crossed three continents – Australia, Asia and Europe. Not much of success has been recorded and he has dived straight into his first coaching job at national level. But his defenders will argue that everything has to start somewhere.  Butler, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, will immediately draw respect from his local peers with his glowing qualification. But he might soon discover that the qualification alone is not enough.

The coach, oozing unprecedented confidence and telling journalists every word they loved to hear could have spoken too soon. His action plan gushed out when he was given the platform, immediately setting lofty heights. He speaks fast with an undiluted English accent.

Butler churned out robust ideas; he wants to turn the Zebras into an attacking force; he is keen on engaging national team coaches on a regular basis through workshops. He will not hesitate to throw in young blood; he is more of a development coach and has experience as a technical director.

But questions would come flooding despite his brilliant presentation. Did he not speak too soon? His intentions were clear, he wants self-belief to cascade down to the players who have toiled for two years searching for a positive result.

His predecessor, Stanley Tshosane always argued that the Zebras do not have the right players to put opponents to the sword with an attacking brand. He preferred to smash and grab, a hallmark, which gave birth to qualification to the 2012 AFCON finals.  Tshosane feared relentless attack, arguing it would open avenues for opponents who have better quality than the Zebras. The revered Jelusic Veselin also built his limited success on defence, with Mompati Thuma and Ernest Amos emerging with their credentials enhanced. It was the patient cat game, with that occasional stolen opportunity.  But Butler wants that out of the window. Fans will watch closely how the transition from a traditionally defensive outfit to a fast attacking side blossom. 

On occasions that the Zebras have tried to take the game to more fancied opponents, this has had disastrous outcomes including the drubbing at the hands of South Africa and Mali in 2013. The corridors were abuzz with questions on how Butler would go for an attacking brand before even a close scrutiny of the material at his disposal. “I am watching one or two DVDs (of the Zebras) at the hotel. I believe in DVD analysis,” Butler said when asked if he had watched the team in action.

Butler expressed his desire to regularly get local coaches to brainstorm through workshops, but BFA’s financial woes are well documented.  Sebego told Wednesday’s press briefing that the new coach (and technical director) has been made aware of the not-so-healthy balance in order to appreciate the situation. There is a danger of the new appointee complaining about lack of financial support if he cannot fully carry out his programme.

That will provide Butler with a conduit to offer excuses in case his plan does not glue together.

But Butler would consider himself a lucky man after he got away with what is regarded as ‘lightweight’ targets. The BFA only wants a quarterfinal place at the regional competition, COSAFA Challenge which usually has only 12 teams, meaning one win can see him achieve that mandate.

Due to the short period, Butler will only have ‘to do well’ in the 2015 AFCON qualifiers. BFA does not expect him to make it to the finals; that will be considered a bonus. In 2016 BFA wants to see the Briton taking the Zebras to the less celebrated CHAN competition.

While the targets all appear achievable, Butler’s Day One, ‘land of milk and honey’ promises might return to haunt him in the not-so-distant future.