A plea to Notwane officials

| Friday April 18, 2008 00:00

 

During the days of Brown Gasemotho, Joy Kenosi, Malombo Thari, Terrence Mophuting, Thazo Tiwayi and the late Shono Ngaka, Notwane used to be a difficult side to beat. Their supporters clad in gold and black, used to attend games in large numbers, knowing that they would go home happy after watching their side display entertaining football.

At the time, Toronto used to have talented youngsters like Noah 'Stooge' Kareng, Barcos Mosimanegape, Maano Mbaakanyi, Desmond Hambira and Innocent Ranku, who used to give his side options when the going got tough. The club had a good technical team headed by Zimbabwean Paul Moyo assisted by the late Banks Panene. To complete a well-rounded outfit, Toronto had a strong and accommodative committee, which ensured that things were done well. In return, the players delivered the goals because they were happy.

But those were the days. Every supporter close to Notwane might be wondering what needs to be done to bring the glory days back. Despite winning the Orange Kabelano Charity Cup last year, Notwane have failed to stamp their authority in the Premier League.

Their performance in the current season is nothing to write home about. This is despite the fact that they brought back Moyo. The coach has complained that Notwane no longer have the players committed to the cause of the club. There have been reports that some senior players are not happy after going for months without pay. Notwane's most talented star, Dirang Moloi has not performed to his best. Mmegi Sport has been informed that the management is to be blamed for the dwindling fortunes of the club.

'The management needs to wake up and realise that they are killing our club. There is no use staying in the committee while they do not have the interest of football at heart anymore,' said a source. He pointed out that there is a certain official who has turned himself into a demi-god at Notwane. 'There is no decision which can be taken by the club without consulting him. Even when the whole committee has agreed on something, no action can be taken without his say. Take for example, the issue of Dirang Moloi. Almost everybody wanted him out of the club because he is not delivering but this man does not want him to be released to Mochudi Centre Chiefs,' the source claimed.

A former official of Notwane told Mmegi Sport yesterday that there are problems at the club that need to be addressed as soon as possible. Otherwise, the club will find itself fighting relegation. 'People are fighting for positions and this is holding the club back. There is a certain group which wants to topple the current committee,' said the former official.

Notwane officials have to learn from Chiefs who have built a strong side which is delivering. Chiefs have won the Premier League and their supporters are happy and attend their games in large numbers. Like Botswana Football Association (BFA) committee member, Puma Matlhware, said recently, Chiefs won the league because of the good organisation by the management and all clubs have to follow the example as they strive towards professionalism by 2012.  

After the 2-1 loss to BMC at the UB Stadium on Wednesday night, one player said on condition of anonymity that there is no motivation at the club. He said that unless the management does something about the situation, Notwane is going to lose a number of players in the coming season. 'There is no chance of us winning because there are no players here,' he said. 

In a nutshell, the Notwane management needs to wake up and realise they are taking the club nowhere. Toronto must not be allowed to degenerate further than this. The current state of affairs is already painful enough to the club's supporters. The club officials have to ensure that players are happy and bring back the sponsors. Notwane does not belong to an individual and it is misguided if someone thinks he owns the club.