Teams assemble technical arsenal
With just under three weeks before the 2018/19 BTC Premiership resumes, excitement has build up as unexpected transfer announcements continue to shock and thrill football supporters across the nation.
The shake up in the technical departments of most domestic premier league teams is just as exciting. Most BTC Premiership outfits are expected to appear with different coaches during the first week fixtures on 18th August. Miscelleneous or Tse Nala as they are affectionately called have since reunited with their coach Chippa Koolese who has returned from a stint at Orapa United. Koolese will replace the revered but nomadic ‘Oris’ Boyo Radipotsane who is believed to have moved on to Morupule Wanderers.
In an interview this week, Miscelleneous spokesperson Edwin Ntau said they parted ways with Radipotsane at the end of the last season. At Miscelleneous, Radipotsane defied all odds and led the Serowe outfit to a top 8 finish. In their last season’s campaign, Tse Nala recorded a win against the then undefeated Township Rollers. Ntau said Koolese is a capable coach who once took the team from six points up to the last 12, a feat that saw them surviving the clutches of relegation.
“We hope that he stays for two seasons. It is a gentlemen’s agreement, which means he can move on if he finds greener pastures.“
After parting ways with Serbian coach Zlatko Krmpotic, the other top team, Jwaneng Galaxy this week confirmed that they are looking for a competent coach in Botswana and beyond borders. In an interview this week, Galaxy spokesperson Tankiso Morake said Matshidiso has been serving as assistant to Krmpotic before the Serbian left the team.
We did not come to terms with the coach and now we are searching for a replacement. Meanwhile Morake also revealed that Galaxy are in talks with former Zebras goal keeper, Modiri Marumo. Marumo recently had a successful spell as a coach in South Africa.
Our intension was to land Galaxy in the Premier league and ensure the team settles and eventually wins silverware. “And thus far we have reached most of these targets.”
Of late, Gaborone United have been making headlines for the wrong reasons after one of their former players successfully sued them at FIFA. However, GU chairman Boitumelo Nsunge said the Reds are currently in a rebuilding phase, and they are currently assessing a number of CVs from international coaches. Nsunge said former GU player and assistant coach Stephen Maphosa is still in charge of the technical department. “We are currently waiting to asses two coaches from Europe,” he said.
“We are currently in the process of rebuilding he team. GU will combine both younger and experienced players.” GU, who have been experiencing financial difficulties parted ways with outspoken Argentine coach Rudolf Zapata who has moved on to coach in Kenya.
Meanwhile, Orapa United recently announced the arrival of former Township Rollers assistant coach Teenage Mpote.
Mpote will be expected to work with the Zimbabwean mentor, Bongani Mafu. Mpote’s arrival came as a surprise into the Orapa fold and rivals will be left scratching their heads. Mpote was at the helm of Rollers, one of the biggest football brands in the country before the arrival of Serbian Nikola Kavazovic.
After a short spell as assistant to Kavazovic, the two men had a well-publicized fallout that saw Mpote leaving the Blues. A well-respected tactician and disciplinarian, Mpote will be expected to serve Ostriches well after replacing Daniel Chico Nare at the team. In a recent interview, Orapa spokesperson Kabo William said they have recruited Mpote who will be working alongside Zakhariah Mudzadzi who serves as a development coach.
“Looking back at our previous results in the league we have decided to bring Mpote in the technical team. We preferred Mpote because he plays the role of a parent and he will instil discipline in the team,” William said.
“This season we want to fight for the championship and we need pace going forward so most of our team will be under 24 years.”
Newly promoted BR Highlanders are expected to retain their headcoach Kabo Dintwa. In a recent interview, Dintwa said the Mahalapye outfit needs to be revamped in almost all departments. The coach remained realistic about their prospects this season, adding that they will not be aiming for a top 8 finish in their 18/19 campaign.
”We need to survive in our first season return,” he said.
Dintwa took over the team in the 2017/18 season after a spell as assistant to veteran coach Boyo ‘Oris’ Radipotsane. “The first division (DNFD) league is difficult and it takes a lot of work before you can gain promotion. Unlike the Premier League you are not given space in the lower league. There is hard marking and there is no room on the ball.”
