BMC defies odds to blast to the top
Lekopanye Mooketsi | Wednesday October 8, 2014 17:12
BMC beat Police XI 2-0 on Sunday to take their point tally to 20 and are unbeaten.
It is a sharp contrast to last season’s performance, which was affected by ownership wrangles. The Lobatse side started last season late owing to the disputes that culminated in court battles.
At the end of the season, there was still uncertainty as it was reported that the new owners, the Ghodrati family intended selling the team and to take over Extension Gunners. However, the talks between the two parties collapsed.
But all this seems to be history as BMC has made a storming start to the season. The return of prodigal son, Kenanao ‘Flo’ Kgetholetsile seems to have boosted the team as he has been banging in the goals.
BMC manager, Nelson Dijeng said unlike other teams, they did not have pre-season preparations due to pending ownership changes.
He said they had to put their house in order with only a week left before the league started. He said by then, they had only 11 registered players. Coach Daniel ‘Chicco’ Nare was forced to recruit players at short notice. Being a shrewd coach, Nare recruited experienced players, some who were not new to the BMC culture. Dijeng said before the league kick off, they counselled the players about the situation at the club. He said they encouraged the players to make the best out of a bad situation. Dijeng said their focus is now on winning the title.
“But we need to be realistic in our dreams. We had lots of problems and therefore even a top eight finish will do for us,” he said.
The outspoken Nare said they are doing miracles with a team of ‘rejects’, as some were regarded as excess baggage at their former clubs. He gave an example of Kgetholetsile, whom he said was not given sufficient game time at Township Rollers. But, insisted Nare, these players are there to prove a point. He said everyone at the team is pulling in one direction, including the management.
Regarding his strategy, Nare said unlike other teams, he has been playing with three strikers. To him, this is the reason why they have been free scoring. He credited experienced players such as Tshepho ‘Talk Talk’ Molwantwa saying their years in football were proving useful.
Despite the team’s position, Nare remains modest hinting that they want to avoid relegation. “You can relegate with 32 points. Right now we have 20 points and can only be save after accumulating more. We are humble and still keeping our feet on the ground,” he said.