I am passionate not bitter - Butler
Mqondisi Dube | Friday November 22, 2019 12:33
Butler coached the Zebras between February 2014 and June 2017, before leaving to join South African side, Platinum Stars.
He then left for further assignments in Indonesia in 2018, before landing the national team coach’s job in Liberia this year. Despite holding jobs in South Africa, Indonesia and Liberia, Butler’s focus of analysis has largely remained Botswana, particularly the Zebras’ performance. He has been critical of the team’s performance, arguing the levels have significantly dropped, since he took the Zebras to position 87 in 2015.
The Zebras replicated Butler’s 2016 achievement, when they reached the final of the COSAFA Cup under Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote this year. The Zebras are currently ranked 149th after a six-game winless and goalless streak.
“I am not bitter whatsoever, I genuinely wish them well. I suppose when you give three and half years of your career to a country I never envisaged working, I grew to love the place and the people. “Of course, there is always that genuine concern for the football. Since I left, the football has deteriorated and gone downhill. The league is in a mess and the national team’s rankings, crashed,” he said. Butler emphasised that he was concerned, but not bitter. He did not hide his desire to return one day. “Yes of course, because there is a pool of players I left there and I had a special relationship with them and the public. I genuinely care for the people and development,” Butler said.
Butler revealed he has a short-term agreement with Liberia, describing their players as talented, and the people, wonderful. However, he said Botswana holds a special place in his heart, and people have to understand that he is passionate and not bitter.
“I say it as it is, I am straight and honest. That does not sit well with people because of my energy and ability to get things moving with enthusiasm and genuine love for the game,” Butler said.