He lived by the sword and died by the words
Mqondisi Dube | Friday June 16, 2017 15:38
In 2014, Peter Butler, then considered a nomadic coach after stints in England and Asia, agreed to a three year deal in charge of the Zebras. He was largely unknown, but promised exciting football after fans had complained about his predecessor, Stan Tshosane’s ultra defensive, but productive style.
First game in charge vs South Sudan
He did not take long to win over a section of doubters when the Zebras cantered to an impressive 3-0 win over continental lightweights, South Sudan in a friendly match. In that match, a young Zebras side lit up the Gaborone night skies with some impressive inter passing and overall artistry. “I don’t believe in parking the bus. I believe in attacking football and I want my players to play with imagination and vision,” he said, during his first press conference. “I am not here as a tourist. I am here for a challenge and I believe strongly in developing new players.”
Introducing young blood
True to his word, Butler began introducing young, largely anonymous players who included Onkabetse Makgantai, Lebogang Ditsele, Ogomoditswe Baoleni and Keorapetse Seloiso. He was credited with creating a large pool of players with a selection based on potential.
There was divided opinion with his critics arguing that the national team was not a place for development. Butler attended lower division matches and did not hesitate to throw the youngsters into the deep end. His team played an exciting brand of football, as per his promise on arrival.
Big victories and attendances
Botswana felled Mali and Burkina Faso at their new favourite hunting ground, the Francistown Sports Complex, probably Butler’s most two impressive performances. In the process, the record crowds were witnessed with 26,662 turning up to watch the Zebras stun Mali 1-0.
His record
Butler’s biggest win came against South Sudan (3-0) in a friendly match while the heaviest defeat came away to Uganda (2-0) in an AFCON qualifier. His best achievement was reaching the finals of the regional COSAFA Cup.
Butler’s frustrations
Off the field, Butler’s frustrations were growing and he did not take long to clash with the then Botswana Football Association (BFA) technical director, Ben Kgomela.
The simmering tensions came to the fore when Butler’s assistant, Pio Paul clashed with Kgomela at the SSKB Stadium before the Englishman later joined the fray.
Butler and Kgomela clashed over several issues, including the latter’s attempt to have Daniel ‘Chico’ Nare join the Zebras technical team.
“He (Nare) will not be working in my technical team. Over my dead body! Kgomela should concentrate on youth and schools programme because over the last two years, what has he done for the BFA? Nothing! I have nothing against Nare, I don’t know him. If they bring him in, I will resign,” a combustible Butler said.
He had already told Ofentse Nato that he would never play for the team under him after the player reported for duty allegedly drunk, while there were issues with Mogogi Gabonamong.
Butler was to later clash with his assistant, Paul, resulting in the former Township Rollers midfielder’s departure from the technical team.
His relationship with countryman, Keith Masters had deteriorated. Butler also expressed frustrations over his employer’s failure to buy him a vehicle until after he was knocked down by a car while riding near the University of Botswana.
The Zebras’ allowances were at times paid late, which Butler argued disrupted his programme, adding to further frustration.
Butler further clashed with Mochudi Centre Chiefs officials after their star midfielder, Lesego Galenamotlhale was overlooked for the national team selection after an impressive performance that earned him player of the season award.
Butler and Twitter
The coach often found himself in trouble with authorities at BFA with then president, Tebogo Sebego at one stage threatening action.
Here are some of Butler’s famous tweets:
“Super disappointed what I was told today by CEO we have worked so hard 2 get this far wuld be gutted if we cant travel to Guinea for 2nd leg.” “Really dissapointed not to get to SSKB today to watch the game No Transport when will this nonsense stop im getting frustrated.”
“Kgomela should concentrate on youth and schools programmes because over the last two years, what has he done for the BFA. Nothing!”
The final straw;
Butler headed to Francistown for the opening 2019 AFCON qualifiers against Mauritania on Saturday a disappointed man.
He had hinted to Mmegi Sport that he was ready to quit the Zebras. His contract situation had not been resolved and just days before, the regular irritant, which is unpaid allowances, had reared its ugly head. At the final whistle, Butler could not hold back.
He tore into his employers accusing them of lack of support and later said the BFA chief executive officer, Ookeditse Malesu had interrupted his pep talk. That was the final straw that broke BFA’s back, and after a meeting with the association’s president on Wednesday, Butler ceased to be Zebras coach, closing an eventful three years.