Nare plans for the future

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday July 11, 2008 00:00

 

Mapantsula shocked many people last season when they started playing entertaining football and ended up in seventh position - a major feat for a fallen giant notorious for last day dodging of the relegation axe. Credit goes to the charismatic Nare, who turned the fortunes of the club after replacing Clever Hunda in mid season.

Though many people did not have confidence in Nare after being fired through an sms by Township Rollers, the tactician picked up the pieces and made the demoralised Gunners youthful players to believe in themselves. The good results saw supporters coming back in large numbers to rally behind the team.

As they prepare for the new season which starts in August, Nare has pointed out that Gunners need to get going from the first. 'Last season when I got here, we wanted to avoid relegation and we achieved that. Having shown our potential, it will be important if we can compete throughout the season and improve on last season's position,' the tactician said.

But Nare added that their dream of competing with the likes of champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Rollers, Gaborone United and Notwane, might be hampered by the fact that they do not have financial backing. 'Since we do not have the financial muscle, we cannot compete well in the transfer market. At the moment, I can feel the pressure, which has made the past coaches fail because I cannot get the players I want,' he asserted. He said his side will once again be forced to rely on inexperienced players from the lower divisions.

After complaining about the lack of depth in the goalkeeping department, Gunners have secured the services of former Jwaneng Comets and Nico United goalkeeper, Ntungamile Tshoganetso. Nare believes the arrival of Tshoganetso will strengthen their last line of defence because in the past they conceded silly goals, which cost them dearly. Another player who has arrived at the Gunners camp is former Comets midfielder, Thapelo Mokgothu, who is expected to help Abednico Powell in the midfield and allow the likes of Kemmy 'Gweru' Pilato, Othusitse 'Spheto' Mahube and Kgololo Leteane to attack with ease.

Since Nkosinathi Khumalo is leaving after the end of contract, Nare said they will be forced to get at least two quality strikers to complement Otlaadisa 'TRX' Mohambi. However, the coach is worried this may not be possible because of financial constraints. Nare said that they plan to do well in the prestigious Coca-Cola Cup. Unlike the league which is a marathon, Nare says Coke Cup presents a good opportunity to get the best out of the players in a short time. 'If we manage to maintain the current squad, I am telling you, we will compete well,' he said. He pleaded with supporters to rally behind the team in the coming games as this will enable the players to give their best and go for broke. 

Even though most supporters and players are happy with Nare, Gunners want to bring a head coach. This will see Nare relegated to assistant coach. Gunners' spokesman, Cassim Dada, pointed out that as much as they have been impressed by the performance of Nare, they feel that there is need to bring in somebody more experienced to relieve pressure off him. 'We believe that two heads are better than one, but we are not under any pressure right now. But yes, we are looking for a coach,' said Dada.