DRUGGA MAKES A NAME IN FIRST DIVISION
In the heart of southern Botswana, amidst the dust and heat of the Debswana First Division South League (DFDSL), a star has risen. Andrew ‘Drugga’ Tlou, the unassuming yet dynamic coach of the Jwaneng Young Stars, has been leading his team with a fervor that has seen them rise to the top of the table with an impressive 15 points from just 5 games.
Druga’s strategy is one of resilience and determination. Despite suffering a setback with a loss to Tlokweng United, the team did not falter. “Our setback was when we lost to Tlokweng United but we did not despair, we soldiered on and battled. We are 5 points clear, we will work hard and look for positive results,” says Tlou, his voice a testament to his unwavering commitment.
The coach is not one to shy away from pressure. He embraces it, using it as fuel to propel his team forward. “Pressure is always there despite where you are on the table. You always hunt or you are hunted, we just need to know how to deal with it,” he says. His focus is on individual games, not the league as a whole, a tactic that has proven successful so far.
Despite their current standing, Tlou sees his team as an underdog, a position that takes some pressure off their shoulders. “All eyes are on Extension Gunners, for now we are not the main focus. Everyone thinks we are joking, but there will come a point when they will focus on us,” he says confidently.
Tlou took over the team from Oris Radipotsane, who started the project. Under his leadership, the team has seen significant growth and improvement. “We brought in 5 players who gave the team a bit of energy and we are beginning to dream of promoting to the top tier. We all want to promote, we believe what we have what it takes, self belief is everything and we all have to believe,” he says.
Tlou is a firm believer in discipline and commitment, principles he instills in his team. “I push my team hard so they understand that discipline and commitment is the way,” he says. He is building a “monster”, a team that will be hard to beat once they have gained full confidence.
With league top scorer, Serati Semadi and veteran defender Issac Paeye among his troops, Tlou is confident of their prospects. “They have the fighting spirit and are motivated. They give their all and we are doing very well. We will focus on winning every game that is ahead of us,” he says.
Only time will tell how far the Jwaneng Young Stars will go under Tlou’s leadership. But one thing is for sure, they are a team to watch, a rising star in the Debswana First Division South League.