Toronto ready for BPL campaign
One of the most popular football fan in the country Tlhabano ‘Madrid’ Gala is adamant that his beloved Notwane FC are going to competitive when they arrive in the BTC Premiership next season.
Toronto gained automatic promotion to the Premier league after beating Mochudi Rovers 3-0 in a Debswana First Division (DFS) game held in Mochudi this past weekend. Both charismatic and not afraid to speak his mind, Madrid said Toronto will not be mere participants in the Premier League. “Everyone is expected to do their job, from players to supporters and management. I urge Notwane supporters to come in numbers. Motivation is the key to everything,” he said. The elated fan who oozes both passion and undying love for the Gaborone club said supporters will ensure that they resemble hosts every game they play in the Premier’s League.
By this, I mean that supporters will be coming in huge numbers to back the team in every game. Notwane relegated to the dusty grounds of the DFD league after being choked out of the Premier League in unspectacular fashion over three years ago. Toronto’s well documented fall from the Premier League was characterised by supporter apathy and a drastic decline in performance. It was during their uninspired run in the Premier league when Toronto were duped by bogus investor Gift Mogami who virtually orchestrated their ultimate fall to the lower leagues. However, Notwane took their DFD league by storm and some of their supporters started crawling out of the woodwork as the team embarked in a rebuilding process away from the pressures of the Premier League.
The arrival of former Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tebogo Sebego saw the Gaborone outfit uniting like never before and ultimately dominated the DFD south league. Staunch supporter Madrid, who is named after Spanish giants Real Madrid was quick to acknowledge Sebego’s contribution to both the team’s success and promotion to the Premier League. Macat, as Notwane are affectionately known launched a stellar campaign that saw them going on an undefeated streak in the first round of the league. For his part, Notwane headcoach Kakale Mabechu said their job has finally being completed. Mabechu said they achieved their goal after beating their title rivals Prison XI. “The campaign was difficult, teams were tough and knew what they wanted. We need to go and beef up the squad in preparation for the premier league.
We aim to keep 98 percent of our players as most of they are still on the young side,” he said. In a post-match interview veteran defender Mpoeleng “Stopper” Mpoeleng said Notwane is the club that introduced him to the premier league. My heart has always been with Notwane even though I have played for other teams. Mpoeleng said he has even kept old team regalia that was used by the team during their earlier campaign. The player said he has no intention of retired even at the advanced age of 38. “I will stop playing around age 42 if when my legs will not be able to carry me.” Mpoeleng attribute his longevity to healthy life style.
