The Sunday News
PERSISTENCE, dedication and discipline finally paid off for Botswana-based central defender Desire Bafana who managed to break a 10-year record to win a top club gong at Extension Gunners.
The 35-year-old former Hwange defender was crowned Gunners’ Player of the Year at a ceremony held a fortnight ago becoming the first foreigner to bag that award in 10 years at the club.
The former Notwane central defender featured in 23 BeMOBILE Premiership matches during the 2015/16 season.
Botswana Premier League (BPL) side Extension Gunners finished the season ninth after amassing 40 points but it was Bafana who played a central role in the club’s defence as they managed a mid table finish.
In an interview from his base in Lobatse, Bafana, who captains Gunners, said he was delighted his efforts were being recognised adding he was happy that hard work had paid off.
He said receiving his first top award had given him confidence adding over the years he has never shied away from putting in all his effort.
“I have worked hard all my career and I am happy that my efforts are being finally recognised, I think experience has worked in my favour and there is no substitute for experience if you want to succeed but discipline, working hard and self belief have also been my mantra,” said Bafana.
The fact that he did not drink alcohol had assisted him to last long in the game and that he still had two more years before he retired.
While his contract runs out at the end of July, he said he has started negotiations with club management over an extension.
“With no injuries, I think I still have two to three more years before I retire, I know my peers have hung their boots. I still feel my legs can carry me and I can attribute that to the fact I am not a drinker,” said Bafana.
For his efforts, Bafana walked away P3 000 richer while other players who also got awards on the day include Katlego Finkie Mothibi who got the most disciplined player and Chairman’s Award (longest serving player), top goal scorer went to Moemedi Moatlhaping with seven goals and Emmanuel Machinya was named the most improved young player.
Bafana was born on 2 February in 1981 in Bulawayo and cut his teeth in the junior leagues at Amavevane and was promoted to their Division Two side before heading to Piggott Maskew and later joined Hwange FC.
He moved to Botswana in 2009 when he joined Notwane and then Gunners in 2012.
- Twitter: @rasmthembo
