GU: The jury is out
Sport
Gaborone United has officially appointed a new coach in Innocent Morapedi. But having coached so many moons ago, his philosophy remains unknown as the club enters the new season in need of fine-tuning rather than a tactical overhaul. Staff writer MOSIMANEGAPE TSHOSWANE assesses whether the Nikholas Zakhem project will take off without a hitch.
In many peoples views, GUs preparations and robust recruitment during this transfer window is the epiphany for those who will ordinarily doubt the brilliance of one of the arguably best football side ever.
Since beating traditional rivals; Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers in the 2008/09 season, the club has found it an uphill battle in replicating that the success. The return of Nikholas Zakhem as the clubs supremo and this seasons new signings are bring hope to the Moyagolee faithful.
The long suffering GU community appears to have suddenly found a renewed optimism of returning to their glory days, after watching helplessly for many seasons as arch-rivals Township Rollers snatched the title from their grasp.
In 2012, the club roped in one of the most decorated gaffers on home soil, Major David Bright a highly renowned tactician whose first job was to clean up the mess left by former coaches. By the time he vacated the post after a one season spell he seemed to have done exactly that, reminding domestic football that he is a pragmatic man whose football ideologies have been appealing even to the purists.
Bright won the 2013 Mascom Top 8 cup and secured qualification for the CAF confederation. After Bright, Rahman Gumbo was approached to rescue a dying season but the GU ship remained stagnant. Gumbos departure was followed by the return of Philemon Makhwengwe. It was his second home coming after bout of Coca-Cola cup success in 2012. However, his second coming was without success.
There is however a deep rooted scepticism that GU is in want of a coach the calibre of Morapedi, who is anticipated to be the care-taker of a squad that was marred in their last season.
Pontsho Moloi, who was in charge on interim basis, instilled faith in young players so much so that when the season prematurely ended because of the coronavirus in March 2020, GU was in fourth position and in contention for league title.
But from a distance, Moloi looks to have somehow transformed previous terms failures into a pot of gold with the team rising to every occasion presented to them. For Morapedi, this would represent success and the soft spoken mentor is aware even this will be difficult.
However, GU players are said to be lining-up to claim their first ever premiership title in 11 seasons. The new coach is somehow cagey. Morapedi would never say it publicly but everybody is playing for the league, it will be too early to say they are right on course with his appointment.
But can it happen? The jury is still out until the end of the campaign as the executive committee, inclusive of GU chief financier, Nicholas Zakhem finished the quest to recruit new players. The Gaborone based outfit will however have to see-off the trio of Jwaneng Galaxy, Township Rollers and Orapa United to return to golden days.
GUs wrecking ball has however arrived when they failed to win the heart of former talented winger Kabelo Seakanyeng. He has gone to play football in Morocco where offers were reportedly better.
Deadly striker, Kapamba has been de-registered. He was instrumental in the clubs resurgence last season.
Beyond dispute is GUs mantle as a contender and their reaction to both Seakanyeng and Kapambas exit. For all considered factors the former players were the country-class inspiration behind the clubs last strongest title challenge of the Premier League era. The blow however prompted a swift and considered response.
The management seems to have identified several weak spots in the squad. They also pinpointed some problems that undermined their thrilling title challenge last season and have addressed them.
GU spokesperson Romeo Benjamin agrees; The team is well oiled to win some championships. He added, All our players are ready for selection to compete, coaches are spoilt for choice.
The team has brought into their fold new recruits; Thatayaone Ramatlapeng, Mothusi Johnson, Karabo Phiri and hard tackling defender Thato Kebue.
Much therefore now depends on the skipper, Alphoso Modisaotsile and the awareness of the strikers in front of him. The continued upward trajectory of Obonye Maome and the stability of new signee, Ramatlapeng can bring what will surely determine the success of the team. Up front, the club lacks absolutely nothing. They have Kekaetswe Moloi – a proven goal scorer and veteran attacker Joel Mogorosi.
However, GU is now criticised for adopting a robust move when building for silverware. In search of glory and countrywide appeal, just like Rollers and Center Chiefs used to do, the team is castigated for paying little attention to their youth academy and adopting an almost mercenary belief that success literally has a price.
Sport
Ditlhokwe must avoid smugness at Amakhosi
Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs, has been facing a coaching crisis. In the midst of this turmoil, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, a local hard-tackling defender, has quickly become an integral member of the squad. However, despite his impressive performances, Ditlhokwe must avoid complacency and continue to work hard to secure his place in the star-studded team. TSHEPO KEHIMILE explores the potential impact of Chiefs’ frequent changes in coaching staff on Ditlhokwe and emphasize the need for him to maintain his high level of performance.
Ditlhokwe’s Rise to Prominence:
Ditlhokwe’s journey in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) began when he joined Supersport United on a three-year deal from Township Rollers. His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of the technical team, and he became a trusted member of the squad. In January 2023, he signed a five-year contract with Kaizer Chiefs, one of the biggest clubs in South African football. His performances during pre-season matches against Young African and Township Rollers showcased his potential and promised a bright future at Amakhosi.
The Acid Test:
As the season progressed, Ditlhokwe faced several challenges. His first test came against Chippa United, where he and his defensive partner, Given Msimango, managed to keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw. However, miscommunication between the defense and goalkeeper Riyaard Pieterse led to a 2-1 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite this setback, Ditlhokwe and Msimango redeemed themselves in subsequent matches, guiding Chiefs to a 3-0 victory against TS Galaxy and a 2-0 win against Stellenbosch.
The Impact of Coaching Changes:
Chiefs’ frequent changes in coaching staff can potentially affect Ditlhokwe’s performance and place in the team. The departure of Coach Molefi Ntseki, who had shown faith in Ditlhokwe, raised questions about whether the new coach would retain him as a regular starter. The arrival of Cavin Johnson as the interim coach saw Ditlhokwe maintain his place in the starting lineup, but the team continued to struggle defensively, conceding goals in matches against Golden Arrows and Cape Town City.
The Need for Consistency:
Ditlhokwe’s consistent presence in the starting lineup is commendable, but he must not become complacent. As competition for accolades and starting positions intensifies, he needs to work even harder to improve the team’s defensive record. Chiefs’ recent signing of his former Supersport United teammate adds further competition for the starting berth, making it crucial for Ditlhokwe to maintain his high level of performance.
Conclusion:
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe’s journey at Kaizer Chiefs has been impressive, with his consistent performances earning him a regular place in the starting lineup. However, he must avoid complacency and continue to work hard to improve the team’s defensive record. The frequent changes in coaching staff at Chiefs add an element of uncertainty, making it essential for Ditlhokwe to prove himself to each new coach. By remaining focused and dedicated, Ditlhokwe can solidify his position in the team and contribute to the success of Amakhosi.
Sport
BOBA battles turbulences to prime Boxing
The Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) recently organized a successful Boxing National Championships, sponsored by Maun Quarries and Tau Grading, with a generous amount of P100,000. This financial support is a welcome development for the boxing fraternity, as it has been almost a decade since such a windfall was received. The championships showcased the incredible skills of boxers like Mmusi Tswiigi, who achieved a remarkable victory by Referee Stop Contest (RSC). However, despite this success, BOBA acknowledges the need to improve and participate in international competitions to increase the chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
National Championships Success:
The Boxing National Championships witnessed outstanding performances from various boxers. Mmusi Tswiigi’s victory by RSC highlighted his exceptional skills and determination. Other notable performers included Rajab Mahommed, Maxwell Sechi, Thabang Chakalisa, Kerapetse Segole, Joel Kgogobi, Botshelo Thomologo, Otsile Mogobye, Mompoloki Sebula, Kenaope Boifang, Solomon Motshwarakgole, Keamogetse Kenosi, and Tshephang Moilwa. These boxers demonstrated their talent and dedication, bringing pride to the nation.
The Road to the Olympics:
Despite the success at the National Championships, BOBA Secretary General, Taolo Tlouetsile, acknowledges that more needs to be done to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics. Tlouetsile emphasizes the importance of international exposure for local boxers to gauge their readiness for such competitions. He recognizes that the opponents in international competitions are more active and challenging, making it crucial for local boxers to participate in various international events.
Challenges Faced:
The local pugilists faced difficulties during the Paris 2024 Boxing Africa Qualifiers held in Senegal. Most of the boxers were eliminated in the preliminary rounds, with only Keamogetse Kenosi making it to the quarterfinals. The lack of preparation due to financial constraints hindered their performance. The absence of training camps and exposure to international competitions affected their readiness and ability to compete at the highest level.
Upcoming Qualifiers:
To secure a place at the Paris Olympics, local boxers must now focus on the upcoming qualification tournaments. The 1st World Qualification Tournament is scheduled to take place in Busto Arsizio, Italy, from 29 February to 12 March 2024, followed by the 2nd World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, from 23 May to 3 June 2024. These tournaments provide another opportunity for local boxers to showcase their skills and qualify for the Olympics.
The Way Forward:
BOBA National Team Coach, Thebe Setlalekgosi, acknowledges the talent of the boxers but highlights the financial constraints that have hindered their progress. Setlalekgosi emphasizes the need for proper training camps to prepare the team adequately. He expresses his disappointment at missing the International Boxing Association (IBA) Junior World Championships, which could have served as valuable preparation for future boxers. Setlalekgosi proposes a training camp from the first week of December until February to ensure the team is in top shape for the upcoming qualifiers.
The recent success of the Boxing National Championships sponsored by Maun Quarries and Tau Grading is a positive step for BOBA. However, the association recognizes the need for international exposure and participation to improve the chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Financial constraints have been a significant challenge, affecting the preparation and performance of local boxers. With upcoming qualification tournaments, it is crucial for BOBA to prioritize training camps and international competitions to give their boxers the best chance at success. By addressing these challenges, BOBA can pave the way for a brighter future in boxing and bring glory to Botswana on the Olympic stage.
Sport
Mares 90 minutes WAFCON qualification
Crunch time has arrived for the Mares, the women’s senior national team of Botswana, as they face a crucial encounter against Kenya, also known as the Harambee Starlets.
This match will determine their qualification for the WAFCON 2024 tournament, and the fate of the Mares hangs in the balance. Under the guidance of their new coach, Alex Malete, the team carries a slight advantage with an away goal from the first leg.
Adding to their confidence, the Mares received a major boost with the inclusion of newly appointed Zebras head coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa, in their technical team. Da Rosa’s appointment as the Director of Football for all national teams, including the women’s team, shows the commitment of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to support the growth and development of women’s football in the country.
The history between these two teams is not extensive, with only two previous encounters. The last match took place in 2015 during the 2016 Olympic qualifiers. The Mares won the first leg 2-1 but lost the second leg 1-0, resulting in the Harambee Starlets advancing to the next round based on aggregate score.
Both teams have their sights set on making their second appearance in the WAFCON tournament. The Harambee Starlets made their debut in the 2016 edition held in Cameroon, and now they aim to secure their next appearance. Similarly, the Mares are eager to make their mark and showcase their progress since their last participation.
In the first leg of this crucial tie, the Mares faced early attacks from the home side but found their rhythm midway through the first half. Keitumetse Dithebe, an attacker from Gaborone United, broke the deadlock with a goal in the 37th minute. However, the Harambee Starlets quickly responded with a penalty kick just before halftime, leveling the score. The second half saw sustained attacks from the Kenyan side, but the Mares held firm at the back, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.
The Mares can rely on the experience and skill of players like Refilwe Tholakele and Sedilame Bosija, who recently won the CAF Women’s Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns. Tholakele, awarded the Golden Boot, played a pivotal role in her team’s historic triumph, scoring two goals in the final. Her success highlights the significance of her contribution to the Mares’ campaign.
As the Mares head into this crucial clash, they must draw on their collective strength and determination. The opportunity to qualify for WAFCON 2024 is within their grasp, and they must seize it. With the support of their coach, the inclusion of Da Rosa in the technical team, and the talent of their players, the Mares have the potential to rewrite their own history and make a lasting impact on women’s football in Botswana.