Kavazovic eyeing Zebras job
Serbian tactician, Nikola Kavazovic is a familiar name through the football corridors of Southern Africa, following his recent exploits in the region.
His managerial style and achievements are still fondly remembered at Township Rollers and are often used as a reference of pride and inspiration to the club.
In a recent interview with BG Sport, Kavazovic opened up on his experiences of local football and future prospects, declaring his keenness to return to Botswana.
Kavozovic helped Rollers to reach their maiden appearance in the CAF Champions’ League group stages in 2018, playing some exciting and enterprising football, whilst he also dominated the local league.
Township Rollers have been second best for almost the entire season, and Nikola feels that it will take the Blues four to five years to bridge the gap on the Money Machine.
He however, pointed out that Rollers can still challenge Gaborone United and argued that the Blues have better players in most key positions. “Rollers can compete against GU on every position, I don’t have any doubt about that, but GU will dominate next 5- 6 years for sure. They have invested heavily in their squad and have the right people working in that club. Rollers problem is that Shah Jagdish, the Director of the club, has surrounded himself with wrong people; compare them to people Nicolas Zackhem ( GU Director] has brought to the club, there is a big difference. “I never said NO to Jagdish, but he is not the one who is
bringing decisions anymore.
Kavazovic pointed out that, Rollers have been poor in their recruitment of persons to the club which has led to the decline of the side. He however, praised the work that was done by the current national team interim Coach, Mogomotsi Mpote, who is also in charge of Orapa United, stating that Mpote was good for the development of the team. “Mpote did a great job in his last mandate. It was a great choice of players, suitable system of play and different approach,” he said. Nikola however, reportedly preferred to work with former player, Leutlwetse Tshireletso hence Mpote moved up north to join the Ostriches.
After failing in his mission to help South African top Premiership side, Free State Stars, to avoid relegation, Nikola found himself once again working in Botswana— with Jwaneng Galaxy hoping he could replicate his past successes with Township Rollers in Jwaneng. His stay in Jwaneng was short lived but still Galaxy were declared champions under his guidance following the outbreak of COVID- 19.
“With Galaxy it’s very simple. All they need is ONE person in charge who will bring decisions.
They have an exco, board, top of management, too many people who are asking questions and this delays productivity. They must bring decisions faster to be competitive,” he said. Morena Ramoreboli has helped Galaxy to qualify for the Champions’ League group stages and is currently in contention to win the Orange FA cup. Before the Botswana Football Association ( BFA) appointed Adel Amrouche, Kavazovic was approached by some BFA officials but his reluctance to apply for the post saw him miss out on a chance to manage the local national side. His camp [ Nikola] felt BFA should have directly picked him for the post instead of having to go the usual routine of applying for the job, with the post vacant once more, the Serbian has not repeated his 2019 mistake. They [ BFA] haven’t made any contact since they approached me during my contract with Stars, but it’s not a secret, I have applied for the current post and I am waiting for their response.