Bright not very bright with the Reds
Correspondent | Friday February 21, 2014 15:08
The Brazilians as Fighters are called, played an exciting brand of football that few could match in the country. The team that compromised of Modesto Chilundumene, Barney Marman, Masego Nchingane, Shimane Ntshweu and the late Donald ‘Bobosa’ Thobega (may his soul rest in peace) was a marvel to watch.
Depending on the opposition, the team could change tactics and formations with ease. Above all, the technique of the players was what made Fighters so special.
Equally, Bright was very good at reading opponents and strategising. His ascendancy to the Under-23 and later South Africa’s Cape Town Santos was the icing on the cake.
He did well with Santos although with a different kind of play – the dour, drab smash and grab type of play. His explanation was that Santos did not have the players where he could play his free flowing football.
But like it is said first impressions last longer. Many know Bright as a person whose philosophy is attacking football and as a coach who goes for exceptional, technically gifted players. Joining Gaborone United coupled with his experience in a proper professional set-up in South Africa was expected to make GU a cut above the rest if not the best in Botswana.
He was basically hired to fulfill the new dispensation the club was embarking on. His mandate was not only to bring results, but make GU the most attractive side in the country and in the process attract more supporters.
This was his mandate, but instead clubs like Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers, who in terms of professionalism were still far behind the Reds, stole the thunder as far as performance on the pitch is concerned.
Their supporters could mock GU fans as to what kind of professionalism or organisation was it that could not bring results.
The GU management has been embarrassed by this state of affairs. Despite having better financial resources, they could still not motivate their players to do better until the little known Phillimon Makhwenkhwe took temporary charge and delivered the Coca-Cola Cup with a new brand of football. He lived and fulfilled the dream of his superiors.
Before that, we all know that when Mike Sithole won the league in 2009, the Reds were hot and exciting.
I have a feeling Bright did not take all these into consideration. If he, did I think he dismissed other coaches and clubs as inferior, but paid a heavy price. Maybe all these are not written in his contract, but it is common knowledge that GU think that a successful Chiefs and Rollers could dampen their growth or put paid to their objective.
Just as Bright wanted to make Fighters the best on the pitch, he should have done the same with GU. His activity on the transfer market has not been that good. What therefore has blighted his otherwise sharp mind? He has rode on rough terrains before hence I expected him to do better. His suspension therefore is a blot on his profile.
With the team now both out of the Mascom Top 8 and CAF Confederations Cup, all that it can do now is play for a better position as the league title looks a bit far.
Bright has at times been dismissive of his opponents and colleagues which borders on unprofessionalism or is it mind games as it is sometimes described.
However, I think he has failed to read the unwritten script in his contract and knowing Rollers, they will grab a double because usually they do not leave any stone unturned whenever they smell gold. Both the supporters and management go an extra mile and this could be a milestone for Madinda Ndlovu and his technical team of Zachariah Muzadzi and Mogomotsi Mpote.
Jomo Moatlhaping
It saddens me that Moatlhaping is embroiled in some controversy with his club. It was not long ago when he told me how happy he was at GU. What then transpired overnight that he should be at loggerheads with his employers?
My plea to Mjomana is that he has had too many fights with authorities and it is time he made an introspection. He cannot always have fights with different managements be it in Botswana or South Africa.
There is something the young man is overlooking and I would advise that he should learn to take advise before he embarks on certain actions.
He left Rollers a bitter person, left Chiefs a bitter person, left Polokwane City a bitter person and now GU. And, there is no doubt that he is a good player and with age not on his side, I would advise him to seek counselling, spiritually and otherwise.
I would be sad if he were to be thrown to the dogs for I know how sensitive a person he is.
We still need him in the Zebras fold and for me he is a better player than Ronald Chikomo or Tebogo Sembowa.
He is lethal in the box, but ought to be in the right frame of mind. I would also advise the GU management to seek counselling for the boy than just throw him out. That is my plea to the GU management.