BDF XI head coach, Letang Kgengwenyane, believes his side has not reached the level of fitness to help them push for the title this season. This is despite Matebele being placed at the top of the Premier League table with 22 points from eight matches.
“We’re not in a situation I would have wanted the team to be in at this stage of the season. That means we still have some areas which we need to work on in training before I can say I’m fully satisfied. The only positive is that we’re sitting at the top of the table and we’ve been getting the results,” said Kgengwenyane during their Thursday afternoon training session.
He pointed out that their main weakness has been their poor form in front of
goal. They have managed to score 11 goals so far but Kgwengwenyane
believes if his strikers were sharp, they could have netted more.
“We’re creating lots of scoring chances and I would be happy if my strikers
would be more ruthless. I would also like to see my team playing attractive
football. That is when I would say we’re in the right shape,” he added.
While they sit at the summit of the table, many people believe that BDF XI have not been tested since they have not faced the likes of Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Gaborone United and Township Rollers.
Football pundits believe the army side will be sorely tested this weekend on their ability to push for the championship. It will be time of reckoning for a side that boasts the best defensive record, having conceded two goals. Matebele are the only side in the league still to register a loss having won seven and drawn one.
This afternoon at the SSKB Stadium in Mogoditshane, kick off at 3.30pm, all eyes will be on Matebele when they take on the red-hot Rollers’ side. Mapalastina have been on the rise in recent weeks, consigning Chiefs to their first league loss a fortnight ago.
However, rather than worrying at the prospect of facing an on-form Rollers side, Kgengwenyane says he is relishing the challenge.
“We have been preparing well for the game and I have no doubt that we’ll have the right ammunition to take on Rollers. This is the kind of fixture where as a coach I have a little to do in terms of motivating the players. The boys are focused and the good thing is that we’ve been doing well,” Kgwengwenyane said.
BDF XI chairman, Boikanyo Addanes, says this season they have one of the strongest squads in the league and he has no doubt that the league title may yet land at the army barracks.
The presence of former Zebras defender, Ndiyapo Letsholathebe, is an added boon for the army side. The towering defender is on his second loan spell at BDF XI from Wonder Sporting. “He has brought a lot of stability to our defence. He is a leader and most of our youngsters are learning from him,” BDF XI manager Motshereganyi Leakwa once said.
Upfront Matebele have relied on the scoring prowess of Mokgathi Mokgathi, Francis Kanda and Saukani Zulu. On their day, the trio can mesmerize any defence with youngster Kabelo Seakanyeng complementing them from the wing.
