Kalambo back on the BMC bench

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Tuesday September 7, 2010 00:00

The stocky former Zambia Schools XI and Ndola United midfield dynamo guided his team to two wins against First Division debutants Kanye Swallows in Kanye on Sunday and did not show any signs of failing health.

'I am not fully recovered but I can tell you I am fine because here I am walking and shouting instructions,' Kalambo told Mmegi Sport after the two games.

In his absence, assistant coach Enos Mmesi collected four points with a win over Extension Gunners and a draw against visiting Nico United.

'I have been lucky that the whole team has been showing a lot of commitment during my absence. The technical team also did well and this shows that this is not a one-man show, there would always be someone to take things forward if one is not there,' Kalambo said.

This is Kalambo's second spell at the Lobatse side. During his initial reign he managed to finish second but dropped to seventh the following season and was ultimately fired. The coach said he is looking forward to doing even better this season.

'Like any other coach I want to do well. I know some people will say I am crazy if I told you I want to win the league, so let us just say I want to finish in the top bracket,' he said.

He noted that his performances the last time he was at the helm had raised expectations, which brought pressure on him to produce good results.

'Pressure is part and parcel of this job. Those who chose coaching knew very well that there would be pressure to deliver even when teams do not have good players. I cannot sit and say these players are not as good as those at another team in the league. It is for me to make them win. You can see a lot of them are not star players but I can turn them into highly respected players and I like the challenge,' he said. Although young players dominate the BMC squad, they also have experienced campaigners in Kenanao 'Flo' Kgetholetsile, Phemelo 'Bunene' Ditsile, Alex Matshameko and Patrick Mathaba. The Zambian coach turned Thebe Maiketso, Musa Ohilwe, Tumisang Sekanonyane and Mosimanegape Ramohibidu into national team players and is expected to do the same with the promising Motsholetsi Sikele, Ofana Motsumi and new signings Itumeleng Louw and Lovemore Morwira.

'All the players here have been showing a lot of commitment and if they continue working like this, they could reach any level. I like working with low profile players because it is easier for them to stay focused,' Kalambo said.