Mega Com defies odds

KARABO SENAME
Staff Writer | Friday March 26, 2010 00:00

 

But director of Mega Com Safaris has every reason to smile as his team named after his company is perched at the top of the Third Division log, 10 points clear of nearest rival, Mexican Dogs. 'There is light at the end of the tunnel, we have already started our preparations for our campaign in the Second Division,' said Belebese, who is credited with taking Francistown's oldest teams, Tafa FC from the Third Division to the Second Division.

Just five months after its formation, Mega Com has made a remarkable impression in the Third Division.  With six matches left before the league ends, it is leading the log with 36 points. Mega Com still needs to win three of their remaining six games to take an unassailable lead. Belebese attributes the team's success to being one close family. He doubles as the team's coach with Dixon Ndabambi as his assistant. He said as the management, they do not only care about the welfare of their players on the pitch, but off the field as well.

'We are very close to our players and their parents. We communicate with their parents to an extent that if you ask me the whereabouts of any of my players, I will be able to tell you right away,' said the man affectionately, known as 'Pele'.

Belebese said a well-known Francistown-based coach Seth Moleofhi paid a short visit to the team and was highly impressed with the way it is run. 'Moleofhi came here for some days and he expressed willingness to work with us, but unfortunately he was roped in by TASC before we could agree something concrete with him,' he explained.

He said they have players from as far as Jackalas 2, Matsiloje and Tati Siding.

Belebese, a former police officer and a staunch member of Zion Christian Church (ZCC) said discipline and commitment has carried the team through. He said the two are essential to the team's success. 'Normally when we are not engaged in the league games on weekends, I visit my players at their homes and we go to church together,' said Pele.

He said his team has a junior development side made up of mostly school dropouts. He appealed to social workers and other people dealing with youth to come on board and voluntarily contribute to the development of the team and the game.

He explained that even though his committee does provide counselling to the players, he feels this is not enough hence he is appealing for professionals to come on board.

Belebese said former District Commissioner, Sylvia Muzila and businessman Daniel Morupisi have assisted the club with cash. He is grateful that the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) donated P10,000 for the team's upkeep.

Ikhutseng Primary school gave the team access to a classroom, which they use during camps.

Belebese said the team manager, Thembisani Maphorisa has been pivotal in the team's building efforts.

Maphorisa said he was forced to leave the team after he was transferred to work outside Francistown. 'I met 'Pele' and the two of us started the team.

We worked together with one spirit until other people later joined us,' he said. Belebese said he will introduce the team to the area Member of Parliament and cabinet minister, Phandu Skelemani.