In a revealing interview aired on Yarona FM yesterday evening, Mochudi Centre Chiefs General Manager Owe Mmolawa laid out a comprehensive roadmap for the club’s future, signalling a major shift towards professionalism, scientific methodology in coaching, and infrastructure development.
Speaking during the 8 p.m. broadcast, Mmolawa detailed how the club utilised the recent AFCON break to conduct a rigorous internal audit. The introspection led to a significant restructuring of the club’s administrative and technical arms, aimed at aligning “Magosi” with modern football standards.
A Structural Shift: Compliance Over IT One of the key revelations from the audit was a misalignment of priorities. Mmolawa admitted that the club previously maintained an IT department while lacking a dedicated Club Licensing unit—a critical component for professional compliance.
“We decided to shift and tweak around that, having that IT department capacitating those personnel to work under club licensing,” Mmolawa explained. The new focus is on a fully-fledged unit responsible for compliance, regulations, and player registrations, ensuring the club meets the stringent requirements of modern football administration.
The Spanish Connection and Scientific Football: On the technical front, Mmolawa addressed the club’s recent coaching changes. Following an amicable parting with their previous head coach, the club has appointed Spanish tactician Miguel Corral Torreire.
Mmolawa defended the appointment, citing the need for a modern, data-driven approach. “Why Coach Miguel? We looked at the qualifications he holds… He relies more on scientific data for analysis and player performance,” Mmolawa said.
He added that the inclusion of Assistant Coach Alex Malete, known for his passion for football science, creates a “good combination” intended to infuse technology into the club’s training methodology.
Monetising “The Soul of the Team”: Mmolawa emphasised that the club’s supporters are its greatest asset but noted the need to move beyond sentimental value to commercial viability. The club is set to roll out a new membership structure that offers tangible benefits, including insurance and funeral cover, to incentivise registration.
“We need to monetise,” Mmolawa stated, explaining that a verified database of supporters is crucial for negotiating commercial partnerships. “These numbers must be able to communicate commercial partnerships for the club.”
Infrastructure and TV Rights Breaking significant news regarding facilities, Mmolawa confirmed that the club has acquired land between Mochudi and Sikwane. The long-term vision includes a stadium, academy, and accommodation for staff and players, a move intended to reduce operational costs and build an asset base.
On the topic of broadcasting, Mmolawa acknowledged the centralisation of TV rights under the Botswana Football League (BFL) but urged clubs to be proactive. He argued that clubs must generate their own “behind-the-scenes” content to sell to broadcasters, rather than relying solely on match-day feeds.
Addressing the “Government Team” Rumours: the interview concluded with a teaser for a future engagement. Mmolawa explicitly requested a live platform to address persistent rumours alleging a link between Mochudi Centre Chiefs and the government.
“There is an issue making rounds that ‘re thimi ya Puso’ (we are a government team),” Mmolawa said. “I want to come and deal with that issue.”
He promised to return to the station to set the record straight on the allegations, which have been a subject of speculation in local football circles.
