Shrewd welfare manager needed for Zebras
Dennis Keagile | Friday May 16, 2014 18:04
At times his confidence has bordered on naivety because started speaking even before he knew the mental makeup of the Botswana players not to mention their technical ability.
Meanwhile, Pio has been singing the praises of his coach. I have no doubt that if Pio is to transfer his aggression and mental resilience to the players, there is no doubt that the team could fight.
The Zebras have to knock-out Burundi at all costs and go all the way to the group stages at least. Otherwise Botswana football could be doomed for years to come. This therefore means that the team need not think about the second leg. The Zebras must play the first leg as the first and last.
For Zebras’ to succeed, a superb welfare manager and psychologist must be found for the players. Butler and Pio are relatively inexperienced in Africa, hence they require a shrewd welfare manager and a psychologist to help bridge the gap. Friendly games are an important preparation in boosting the team’s confidence.
That is why the heavy loss to Swaziland raises doubts about the Zebras’ preparedness. Given his experience and mental toughness, I would have loved Mogogi Gabonamong to be part of the team. The South African based utility player does not easily buckle under pressure and his absence will surely be felt. All in all Butler and Pio are faced with a very tough test which they have to pass at all costs.
Around the world
Events in football in other parts of the world have been riveting if not puzzling. True to the belief that the beauty of soccer is its unpredictable, not many got the script right either in Botswana, England, South Africa or Spain.
From the onset, both Arsenal and Liverpool were discounted as potential title contenders in England. In Spain, Atletico Madrid have surprised everybody not only by leading the log but for progressing to the UEFA Champions League final.
In South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs led for a long time but then crumbled like a pack of cards towards the end. Locally, Chiefs were early pace setters in the Be MOBILE Premier League before the faltered badly mid-way through the race.
Liverpool stayed on course until the last day while Manchester United went through a very trying period which ultimately led to the sacking of its manager, David Moyes. Manchester United even failed to qualify for the Europa league.
Does these mean that surprises could be galore at this year’s World Cup in Brazil? When I talk of surprises, I am mainly talking about the African representatives in Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Nigeria.
Unlike previous campaigns, there is relative quietness in these countries’ camp. We have not yet heard of internal fights, which usually characterise preparations by African World Cup representatives.
I am praying that peace should reign in these camps. It is time an African team goes as far as the semi-finals at least. But first the organisation at association level ought to be top notch. This African curse of fighting over small things should stop. Players equally need not hold their associations at ransom.
The Brazil weather should be friendlier to the African teams that it will be for Europeans.
Highlanders
Congratulations to BR Highlanders for bouncing back to the Premier League. After gaining entry by default in the 2012-2013 season, the Mahalapye based team was relegated the same season. This time, I think they are much more prepared than before. In Paul Moyo, they have a seasoned coach and father figure. He has always been good with youngsters and it is up to Highlanders management to do better than last time. If the Highlanders ground is used, then the team would not be disadvantaged.
In fact the club can make more money than others by sing the Recreation Club as a fund raising activity.
With the relegation of TAFIC and Miscellaneous, BR Highlanders return to the Premier League is a stress reliever. It would have been good if Miscellaneous had remained in the elite league especially that the Serowe Sports Complex may be opened in the new season. Good luck to BR Highlanders and Letlapeng FC of Ramotswa.
Unfortunately while it is easy for Ramotswa teams to qualify for the elite league, staying there is always a problem. Mokgosi Young Fighters and Killer Giants could not hold on and after they were relegated, they never recovered.
I just hope that Letlapeng will be different although they will be playing their games outside Ramotswa, which is another disadvantage for a new comer. From Ramotswa to Maun, there will be plenty to experience next season.
Sankoyo Bush Bucks are lucky in that they would not compete with many clubs for players and they will still be using the Maun Stadium. They stand a better chance of survival than the other two newcomers except that the distance they will travel to honour games may take its toll.
That said, let us all pray for the Zebras to get a good result in Burundi. They desperately need our support. Good luck to Butler and his team.