The return of Black Peril

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Friday September 25, 2009 00:00

It lost its First Division status following its deregistration by the BFA and that marked the death of one of the best known clubs in Botswana football.

However, a number of years in limbo, the spirit of Black Peril is set to be reincarnated in Liverpool FC. Black Peril owner, Boiki Mokgwathi has bought the franchise of Liverpool, which he intends to re-name and re-brand. With its rich history it was apparent that Mokgwathi would not just let the name Black Peril fade away. Now fans of Mchachos can start smiling in the knowledge that their club would soon be back after the transformation of Liverpool to Black Peril. Liverpool has steadily moved up the ranks in the last four years from Division Three to the First Division South.

Club officials say plans to change Liverpool to Black Peril are at an advanced stage and if all goes well, the transformation will be complete before the league starts on September 26 (tomorrow). Coach Thalobo 'Machine' Nthaga is positive the switch to the old name will help the club achieve great things and garner support. 'We definitely need to go back there. There is a lot of history attached to this name and for some of us who have played for Black Peril, it means a lot. And I believe it means a lot to the supporters too,' the former Mchachos striker said.

Liverpool is currently based in Tlokweng and Nthaga said they will see if it is necessary to relocate back to Gaborone once the name change has been completed. Liverpool will make their maiden appearance in the First Division and the coach believes they have what it takes to avoid relegation. He said that though his players might be lacking experience, the club has enough depth to compete.

'Our primary concern now is to consolidate our stay in this division and if we manage to be league contenders, it would be a bonus. We have a good track record. We have moved up a division almost every year but we cannot talk about continuing up the ladder at this stage because competition becomes stiffer and stiffer as you move up.

'But I am positive about our chances of survival because our region (South East) has proved to be very competitive with many talented players. We have had at least one team gaining promotion to the First Division every year in the last four years,' he said.

Like many local clubs, especially those in the lower divisions, Liverpool has not been able to attract any sponsor. Owner and businessman Mokgwathi has been the sole financier.

He has been doing a lot to ensure that the club keeps going using the little that he gets from  his business and this promotion would definitely demand more resources and it would be good if we got sponsors,' Nthaga said.