BDF XI were among the title favourites at the beginning of the 2011/12 Be MOBILE Premier League season but their performance in the end did not guarantee them that tag.
Having beaten expensively-assembled Mochudi Centre Chiefs 4-3 in their second game of the season, many people believed that Matebele would be unstoppable.
Midway through the season, the wheels came off at the Mogoditshane-based outfit and just like any other outfit, accusing fingers were pointed at some committee members for failing the team.
BDF XI’s lack of consistency cost them dearly in the previous season. They only performed when they played against giants Chiefs, Township Rollers, Gaborone United and Extension Gunners. Matebele were lucky to finish inside the top eight bracket as their performance was not worth of the earlier expectations.
Despite their failure in the previous season, BDF XI chairman, Boikanyo Addanes, remained hopeful that they still have a strong side. He highlighted few off the field problems which could have led to their downfall. He promised that in the coming season, they will leave no stone unturned as they want to make up for their poor performance.
Ahead of their annual pre-season training, Matebele started by clearing off with goalkeeper Basimanebotlhe ‘Cheeseboy’ Moilwa, Letsweletse ‘Ace’ Seane, Seboloko ‘Naughty’ Khutsafalo, Letlhomela Ramabele and Mthandazo Mthonzi being shown the exit door at the military club.
Omaatla Kebatho and Bokani Loeto were loaned out to Miscellaneous and ECCO City Greens, respectively.
Arriving at the Sir Seretse Khama Barracks, one can breathe fresh air as the management of the club is confident that this time around they will do things right to the benefit of their hardcore supporters.
“We want to compete in the coming season and I have no doubt that with the players we have brought in, we’ll deliver. We have signed the players which the technical team felt were needed hence I’m confident that we’ll not disappoint. This does not mean we’re going to put the coach under unnecessary pressure,” said BDF publicist, Phillemon Mompati, on Friday. BDF XI have announced the signing of Ofentse Mmipi (Extension Gunners), Boitumelo Mafoko (Capetown Santos, South Africa), Kabo Moshau (TASC), Koziba Thabano (TAFIC) and Apula Apula (unnamed DRC club).
Just like last season when they kicked off the campaign without assistant coach Letang Kgengwenyane, Matebele will start the 2012/13 Premier League season without head coach, Nelson Setshwane, who is attending a military course until December. In his absence Kgengwenyane would drive the ship assisted by Barney Marman.
“We’re in our second week since we started the pre-season training and everything is going well. I have no doubt that the presence of Marman will benefit the team going forward,” said Kgengwenyane.
