Radipotsane braces for tough mission at Chouka-chouka

The Palapye based outfit still sits within the relegation bracket at the foot of the table but with an ambition to remain in the top tier. The devastating truth is that they have a mere eight games left for them to turn their fortunes around.

With the number of games played so far, it makes sense to believe that Motlakase Power Dynamos is terrifyingly close to relegation but the acquisition of Radipotsane at the beginning of this year was seen as a solution to their persistent problems. With a traceable reputation of winning games with meagre squads, Radipotsane believes they can avoid relegation by the end of the season but he is acutely aware of the mammoth task facing him.

“We have nine games left. Out of these games, we just have to win seven and we will be safe. There are fewer gaps between us and the few teams above,” he told Sun Sports ahead of their past weekend’s game against Nico United, which they went on to win 2-1. “If Galaxy can win five games in a row, then it is possible with us. It is an achievable feat,” Radipotsane added confidently. Although he is not a coveted coach who has won many championships, Radipotsane deserves an instant respect in dealing with small teams that usually constitute smaller and meagre squads with little mix of experienced players.

He has shown his mettle before. With a relatively small squad, he once guided Motlakase to a top 8 bracket in the top tier league. “The boys must believe in themselves. The management must believe in us and offer the necessary support. If we all pull together then we can make it.

“There is a slight improvement. This team has been conceding more goals. About five or four per game and it has since changed,” he added. It is widely known that Motlakase is in dire financial straits and that most premiership and seasoned performers are far from Motlakase’s financial reach, leaving Radipotsane to work with what is at his disposal - a crop of unproven players who in most cases are campaigning in the premiership for the first time.

But the guttural coach believes his players are competent enough. “I believe the team is competent. If they can match the likes of Township Rollers then there is no need to doubt them. They must keep fighting until the end,” he said.

His mission to help Motlakase survive relegation started well as he helped them to their third victory of the season. Moreover, their rampant approach in the transfer window could be another showing that the former Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United mentor is taking the task seriously. During the just ended transfer window, Motlakase signed 12 players; the highest number registered at the Botswana Premier League (BPL) offices.

They have registered Thero Ntau, Lapologang Motlogi, Mpho Odubeng, Maphakela Ramoraka, Moemedi Mothibi, Phetogo Lerato,  Ishmael Mengwe, Aobakwe Solomon, Mogakolodi Balatotse, Gabathomphe Tsheko, Otsile Seanego and Vusimusi Sibiya. Of all the 12 players, only four were recruited from the premier league teams. The rest were recruited from teams campaigning in the lower divisions.

However, in the process of recruiting during the transfer window, they failed to hold on to their influential players. Former Extension Gunners marksman Othusitse Mahube has since joined division one side Morupule Wanderers in Palapye.

Youngster Thato Kebue who was a key figure in the team has signed for Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Experienced midfielder Botshelo Lerato has signed for Gaborone United. Nico United snatched Phineas Kgotlaang.

Radipotsane is inheriting a team that has struggled severely since the beginning of the season. The side has served their supporters with a horrifying and dull brand of football, registering more losses and draws.

But Radipotsane’s arrival was praised as he was once the envy of most fans. Most of the Motlakase faithful have put behind their frustration of seeing Radipotsane slap them with a heart-breaking move from their team to a then first division outfit Jwaneng Galaxy.

Based on the history, they believe the gaffer will save them. Their weekend victory against Nico United must instil in them the belief that indeed their task of keeping their premier league status is achievable.