The Zimbabwean gaffer arrived in Botswana in 1986 to coach Police XI and has been applauded for discovering and nurturing some of the best players in the country. His former players, led by Daniel ‘Chicco’ Nare organised a luncheon on Friday for the veteran coach to show appreciation for the role he played in their football careers. All the speakers at the event described Hunda as the man who was honest, fair, disciplined and always dressed for the occasion. “He had a totally different way of managing players.
He will keep you out of the team for 10 games because you do not play well. And by the time he brings you in, he will flatter you and tell you how best you are in that position. He knew how to motivate players. He was not grey, either he was black or white when dealing with players. He was very honest and fair. Every player wants honest feedback. Honesty allows you to prosper,” Prisons XI assistant chairperson, Careca Tibone said about Hunda. He said Hunda’s name is engraved in the history of Prisons XI. Besides Tibone and Nare, Hunda is credited for discovering the likes of Marshlow Motlogelwa, who is now vice president of the Botswana Football Association (BFA).
He has also been praised for the role he played in nurturing the likes of Junior Lotlaamoreng, Sthanda Mogwadi, Desmond Molefe and Bonnie Mabophiwa among others. Former Santos vice chairperson, Victor Sebolao said it is a good thing to appreciate someone when he is still alive. “This is a very important occasion. We are used to appreciating people when they are dead and can no longer see us and that is wrong,” he said. “When he first arrived in Botswana, we were playing against Nico United. At halftime he shouted at us and told us we played nonsense. He was straight like that,” Mabophiwa said. In his vote of thanks, Hunda said he was humbled by the gesture shown by his former students in the game. He also said he wishes to see the same being extended to his peers in coaching.
On top of the appreciation lunch, Hunda’s former players also contributed more than P8, 000 for their former mentor. They have also decided to assist him fix his vehicle which is said to have parked for a long time because it was not roadworthy
