Coaches on the move
The current transfer window has not been a hive of activities as expected. By any means it has not been the so-called silly season as there have not been big player moves save for the trio that crossed over to TS Galaxy in South Africa.
What is even more surprising is that the transfer of coaches has been more interesting than that of the players. The coaching landscape in Botswana has gotten even more familiar as old BTC Premiership faces are being recycled and tossed around. Nevertheless, it makes for an interesting 2019/2020 season as it quickly approaches in a month or so. By the look of things, it might be interesting to see the teams clamouring for survival as the Botswana Premier League coffers continue to dry after loyal sponsor, BTC threatened to abandon ship.
Only the most resilient and loyal coaches are expected to stay with their teams through thick and thin. Perhaps, the biggest catch of the season might be the usual suspect and silverware grabbing specialist Madinda Ndlovu who has recently signed with Gaborone United. Given the return of their ‘sugar daddy,’ Nicholas Zakhem and the acquisition of Ndlovu, the Money Machines are set to become top 8 contenders. With the right players, Madinda who has left struggling Bulawayo Giants Highlanders in Zimbabwe will be a force to reckon with. A passionate coach who specialises in attacking football, Madinda is set to bring the good old days along with flair back to the Reds.
Ndlovu, a veteran who has won the BTC Premiership and Mascom Top 8, will be expected to return to his winning ways at Moyagoleele. Reigning champions and GU Gaborone rival Township Rollers have signed former Orapa United Tomas Trucha of the Czech Republic in what is believed to be a one-year contract. Trucha’s task will be simple as he will be expected to retain the league title as well as win the Mascom Top 8 and Orange FA Cup. Besides the domestic league, Trucha will stay busy as Rollers are set to campaign in the CAF Champions league. In a surprising turn of events Sharps Shooting stars have acquired the services of former Extension Gunners headcoach, Enos Mmesi.
With Sharps, Mmesi has a big challenge and no excuses. Unlike Gunners and a strange spell at the relegated Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Mmesi will have the pre-season to prepare his charges for it will be long and bumpy ride in the next season. Furthermore, speculation has been rife this week that veteran league coach, Stanley Mwaanga has joined Extension Gunners for an undisclosed amount of time. In another surprise move, Notwane has plunged into the unknown and appointed Serbian coach Dragojlo Stanojlovic as headcoach. After a long spell in the BTC Premiership, the Serbian has never claimed silverware for any of the teams he has led.
Earlier this month 2018/19 title runners up Jwaneng Galaxy confirmed that their talented Portuguese headcoach Miguel Da Costa has decided to return to the team for some unfinished business. This means Galaxy will likely become a threat to any of their rivals. Another Debswana Mining Company sponsored team Orapa United, are yet to confirm their headcoach Mogomotsi Mpote who has the dual role in coaching the national team. Another coach staying put at his team is the methodical Mike Dubula Sithole at Police XI. Meanwhile, Luis Setshwane who coaches BDF XI seems set to reprise his role as headcoach at Matebele. Flying under the radar is the colourful Daniel ‘Chico’ Nare who seems to have pleased his employers at Security Systems this past season.
