Many people actually did not know incumbent BDF XI coach, Stanley Mwaanga, until 2003.
That was the time he led a little known Ecco City Green to the semi-finals of the Coca-Cola Cup. That time, Ecco City was still campaigning in the First Division and had been promoted the same year. The following season, they would also gain promotion to the elite league where they are still a force to reckon with.
Against all odds, the Zambian coach helped the Francistown-based side to surprise victories over the likes of BDF XI and were only stopped by Mogoditshane Fighters that beat them 2-0 and went on to win the tournament.
Since the Coca-Cola tournament put Mwaanga to prominence, it remains to be seen whether this season, the same tournament will catapult his name even higher. On Wednesday, his team beat one of the favourites for the tournament, Gaborone United (GU) by a solitary goal. Many thought GU would revenge the first round defeat at the hands of the army side. It was not to be as BDF scored towards the end of the game.
“While at Ecco City Green, few people gave us a chance and we defied the odds to reach the semi-finals. Even now BDF XI has a chance of going all the way even to the finals,” he said.
The Wednesday game was characterised by missed chances by GU as they fluffed many golden opportunities and they dearly paid for it in the end. For BDF XI it was the tactics that won the game for them. From the onset to the end, GU had total control, but BDF XI easily absorbed the pressure. It was the best attack against the best defence and the defence won the battle of the day.
Mwaanga made it clear to Sunday Standard that their intention is to win the Coca-Cola Cup and the victory against GU has boosted the morale of the team.
“It is every coach’s wish to win something and it is no exception for BDF XI. We want to win the Coca-Cola Cup and eventually represent the country in African competitions. Many teams that have had a chance to represent this country pulled out and we would indeed go if we win it. Participating in African competitions is vital because it gauges the football standard of the country,” he said.
The last time BDF XI won the Coca-Cola Cup was in 2004, after beating Mogoditshane Fighters and was knocked out in the finals three times in 1995, 2005 and 2006. Mwaanga also stressed to Sunday Standard that having defeated one of the toughest teams is a clear indication that his team is ready. BDF XI won against GU minus one of their hard tackling defenders Ernest Amos. In addition they also had one of their influential defenders, Gaopatwe ‘Shoes’ Sesenyeng, sent off midway in the second half, but they managed to pick up the pieces.
“Gaborone United is currently a team to beat. After defeating them in the Coca-Cola tournament we now stand a better chance to go all the way, but we will take one game at a time.”
Mwaanga also stressed that BDF XI might be in fourth position on the league but they have mathematical chance of winning it. Mwaanga said GU is left with tough teams and chances of losing the grip are high.
“They are yet to play us, Township Rollers and Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Just like us, Centre Chiefs have a chance of winning the league and it would really be a tough test for GU,” said Mwaanga.
