Irishman, Connor settles in at Matebele
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday September 21, 2024 06:00
His immediate task is to ensure the Premier League side improves on last season's 11th-place finish. 'The easiest comparisons to make between the two leagues and to an extent, Zimbabwe, is the pitches. I believe that if a nation wants to develop players, it needs the basics, which are football pitches – quality football pitches. In terms of the quality of players, it is quite similar. Botswana and South African players are not known for their physique but tactically very good and very creative,' Connor said in an interview this week. He spoke about the circumstances that led to his departure from Cape Town Spurs where his relationship with coach, Ernest Middendorp, had broken down. 'I felt we needed more time with Shaun Bartlett (coach) but the arrival of Middendorp changed everything. Him and I did not see eye-to-eye in terms of how we played, in terms of how you treat people, talk to people and how you should lead. I always believe in democracy and bring people with me. It was a fraught and difficult relationship,' he said. Connor said he decided against renewing his contract and that is when an opportunity to cross over to Botswana arose.
'My agent contacted me and indicated there was a club in Botswana. Very quickly I spoke to Lame and others about their vision and I said why not. I have a track record of developing young players and helping build football clubs. I have been asked to come here and professionalise and I think the job they have done on the budget they have is very impressive. I want to create an elite performance environment at the football club. I want to nurture and develop young talents at the club,' the 57-year-old said. He vowed that Matebele would compete in the new season after a relatively impressive debut season, which saw Namibian, Woody Jacobs, take charge of the majority of the newcomers' games in the top division. 'We do not have the finances to compete with the top six clubs, no, we do not but we can become a better team by working hard and creating standards for individual behaviours. It is not easy but it is possible. We have to maximise what we have, I am confident we can do it.' Connor has coached in England and the United States and is eager not to get involved in club politics, which at times has been the downfall of coaches. He said his job is to develop players and improve the team.
'My focus is to add value to Botswana football through Matebele. I did not know much about Botswana football. I know Peter Butler and I had a chat with him. I know Daniel Msendami, we tried to sign him a few times for Cape Town Spurs. I have done some research; there are some good quality players and teams. There is a lot of potential for growth, which can benefit the national team. I am impressed with the BFA and its pitches (at Lekidi), for a country of this size,' Connor said. He said he has been struck by the local fans' passion for the game and while there are some grey areas, if the new BFA administration puts the game and players first, a lot would improve.
He welcomed the extra week of preparation for the new season after the new BFA president, Tariq Babitseng, indicated the league would not resume this weekend. 'To the Matebele fans, get behind the team. Be patient, understand that we come in every day and we are working hard trying to get to new levels of performance. We want to increase professionalism and the quality of football,' Connor said.