Gaborone United (GU) head coach, Elvis ‘Chuchu’ Chiweshe, has pleaded with the club’s supporters not to expect miracles from him ahead of the Be MOBILE Premier League season which kicks off on Saturday.
The Reds kick off their league campaign with a tricky tie against Nico United at the Molepolole Sports Stadium (kick off at 6pm) and all eyes will be on the former Dynamos gaffer to see if he can rekindle the sinking Reds’ ship. Chiweshe arrived in the country during the off-season to replace Letang Kgengwenyane who has since been appointed BDF XI assistant coach. ┬áChiweshe comes to Botswana with a big reputation but he is not a man who likes to blow his own trumpet.
“I’m not the best but I’m a good coach. For the supporters to expect me to build a team overnight will be unfair on me. Honestly, I’m not a messiah but I’m going to do my best not to disappoint the supporters,” said Chiweshe after the club’s press conference on Friday morning in Gaborone.
The Zimbabwean-born coach said that for GU to go back to their glory days, everyone at the club has to play their role. Chiweshe encouraged the supporters to give their best support during games even when the chips are down.
Last weekend during the Gaborone City Cup when GU were trailing Notwane by 1-0, GU supporters went quiet and only became vociferous after their side had equalised.
“I expect 120 percent support from them (supporters) because that would push us to perform. Even when they criticise, it must be constructive,” he advised.
He noted that he is still learning more about Botswana football but he believes that with the talent at his disposal, GU can be unstoppable. Chiweshe said that after the team reported for pre-season, he was quick to realise that his troops have talent but no character.
 
“I’m going to work on the confidence of the players. I’ve to put the new players together and work on the combinations,” he added.
During the press conference, Chiweshe said that he intends to turn GU into the side that was once unstoppable.
For the first time in many years, GU played some beautiful football at the weekend during the Gaborone City Cup which won them lots of compliments. “Signing these players (eight new players were presented) shows our intentions. I want to win trophies but it’s going to take time to build a strong team,” he told the journalists. ┬á
Chiweshe also noted that youth development would be key to the success of Gaborone United. At the weekend, he gave some youngsters a run in the first team.
“You cannot remain a big team without continuity. Youth development is very important to the success of any club. I’m happy that the club has brought in some seasoned players and we’ll be able to mix them with some youngsters,” he told Sunday Standard in a separate interview.
Chiweshe was quick to defend Zimbabwean striker Baloni Chiseko who got a lot of stick after he made his debut for the Reds during the weekend’s tournament.
Most people, including journalists, pointed out that the striker would not add any value to GU this coming season. But Chiweshe differs.
“Don’t expect any skill from him because he’s not a skillful player. He is a bustling striker who is going to create lots of chances for his teammates. He is going to cause lots of confusion,” he said.
GU chairman, Fedelis Nkomazana, said that they intend to keep the coach for a longer period.
GU has a bad history with coaches; in the past season alone, it was guided by four coaches.
“We’ve had problems in the past (with coaches) but we believe that we’ve found the right man. He is going to help us move forward because he has played football (at higher level),” he said.
