A forgettable season with flashes of brilliance
| Friday June 7, 2013 00:00
Best SigningWithout doubt, Ofentse Mmipi has been a revelation this season despite only arriving at BDF XI at the beginning of the season. The likes of Maano Ditshupo (Township Rollers), Desire Bafana (Extension Gunners) and Oteng Moalosi (Notwane) gave their side some shape, but Mmipi has been a marvel in the red-and- green colours.Coming from an attack minded side, Extension Gunners, Mmipi managed to transform BDF XI into a formidable side going forward. He led BDF XI to position three in the league as well as the final of the Mascom Top 8.
Flop SigningJohn Abimbola arrived at newly promoted BR Highlanders with high expectations, but failed dismally. The Nigerian striker was brought in by Glamour Sports International, owned by Comfort Ramatebele who later apologised to the Highlanders after the player failed to click.
Best MomentThere was not any single moment that stood out, but the sudden interest in the local football teams by investors is a positive move for the growth of football. It all started a couple of years ago when contractor Nicholas Zakhem bought a stake in one of the most decorated sides in the league, Gaborone United (GU). This season, Shah Jagdish of CA Sales, who also owns some of the gyms in the country, took control of Township Rollers. He was given 40 percent stake while Somerset Gobuiwang, who has been at the helm, also got 40 percent. League Champions, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, are also said to be on the verge of turning into a company with property mogul, Seyed Jamali, expected to get 60 percent stake. BMC have also reportedly attracted interest from some foreign investor.
Worst Momemt This past season has been characterised by many embarrassing incidents among them the suspension of the former Botswana Premier League general manager, Phuthego Setete and his subsequent sacking after challenging the charges by BPL board at the Industrial Court.
The nation has witnessed a season where some top Premier League officials were suspended for lending themselves some money from the BPL coffers. However, the broadcasting rights saga has brought nothing less than shame to local football. It all started when the Botswana Football Association (BFA) filed an application with the High Court for confirmation of the termination of broadcasting deal between them and RP Productions.
Upon realising that there was some agreement between BPL and RP productions over the payment for last season, BDF withdrew the case. The two parties were to settle out of court but they hit a brick wall and the case returned to court where the termination of RPP contract was confirmed.
Many had thought the problems would end there but the proposed Supersport deal that was said to be on the cards took almost forever to be concluded. At some point, BPL in a desperate move had to beg public broadcaster, Botswana Television (Btv) to televise some of the Mascom Top 8 matches.
This resulted in an embarrassing moment where both Supersport and Btv went to New Lobatse Stadium claiming they have rights to air the match. BFA have since entered into an agreement with Supersport for the next two seasons.
Match Of The SeasonThere were plenty of end-to-end matches this season among them the second round league encounter between Extension Gunners and Mochudi Centre Chiefs where Gunners won 3-2 in the end. Chiefs had taken a 2-0 lead in the first half before Gunners staged a dramatic comeback to earn a 3-2 win. The match however meant little to Chiefs who had already won the league championship by then. The 2-2 draw against rivals, Rollers, stands out considering the what was at stake for both sides. Rollers were desperately looking to solidify their top eight finish while Chiefs had gone for several matches without a victory. What initially looked like a done deal as far as the league championship was concerned took a major turn following a winless streak.
A loss to Rollers would have further dented their chances. Rollers took the lead through Onalethata Tshekiso before Chiefs equalised in the second half through a penalty by Galabgwe Moyana. Tshekiso once again gave Rollers the lead in the second half but substitute, Jerome Ramatlhakwana, equalised in the dying minutes of the game.
Goal Of The SeasonAnother difficult category to choose the best goal. However, Ofentse Mmipi and Lawrence Majawa deserve honourable mentions for their strikes in the Mascom Top 8. Majawa took few steps after the centre line before unleashing a cracker in the quarterfinals of the knockout competition against ECCO City Greens at Molepolole Sports Complex. Mmipi also received a ball and gave Chiefs' goalkeeper, Raphael Nthwane no chance in the semi finals of the competition in Molepolole.
Outstanding PlayersChiefs' midfielder, Elvis Meleka, Ofentse Mmipi (BDF XI), Alphonse Modisaotsile (GU) and Topo Piet (Nico United) were a cut above the rest with fantastic performances for their respective teams. Meleka was instrumental in his side's league title defence while Piet, with his team, Nico United, gave Chiefs a run for their money in the title race. Mmipi also had a good debut season at BDF XI while Modisaotsile led GU to the Mascom Top 8 title.
Outstanding CoachesMadinda Ndlovu proved once again that he is one of the best coaches to grace this league after leading Chiefs to title defence. David Bright on the other hand led GU to the Mascom Top 8 title and finished fourth in the league in his first season since returning from South Africa. Chikwanda might not have won anything with Nico United, but has led them to position two.