Lekopanye Mooketsi
15 September 2008
The last time Naughty Boys were in the Premier League, they were demoted after one season.
That was in 2006-2007 when they came to the Premier League through the promotion play-offs.
One of the excuses for the club's quick drop from the top flight was that they were not really prepared for the big stage.
But this time, officials say the club will be in the Premier League for a very long time. Naughty Boys secretary Moganetsi Odirile said the word relegation does not exist in their vocabulary.
"It is not going to be easy for us to relegate. We would not be counted among the clubs that will be relegated at the end of the season," he vowed.
Odirile said their team and management have undergone a transformation with players and officials who are determined to work for the club. "Our management is solid."
He said the club set-up that is demanded by the Premier League Committee is keeping officials on their toes. He added that they have met most of the requirements prescribed by the committee.
To reinforce the squad, Naughty Boys has recruited players like Lolo Mosojane from Township Rollers, Ringo Rankgomo, Papi Mokwena, Mothusi Lekoko and Skinner Kenanao.
Odirile said when they were relegated, all the people involved were new to the Premier League. But this time it would be different because they have gained experience.
He said there was lack of depth in the team and players were caught by fatigue towards the end of the season.
He said the management was not good and the club was affected by lack of funds.
Odirile added that relegating was a blessing in disguise for them.
They have since learned what is required to survive in the Premier league.
"This is a totally different Naughty Boys. Last time we qualified through play-offs but this time we have won the league," he said. He stated that their intention is not to clinch the league title but to finish in a good position. "Our aim is to remain in the league, if we get anything bigger it will be a bonus," he said.
Odirile asserted that they have engaged a consultant to help them secure sponsorship. "We are doing our best both in the field and outside the field.
We have played a number of friendly games," he said. He said that competition is high in the team because players are eager to participate in the Premier League
Odirile said the club has an outstanding record which speaks for itself. He said of late, the team has been registering impressed results as exemplified in the good run in the Coca-Cola Cup.
Naughty Boys was knocked out in the semi- finals through penalties by the ultimate Coca-Cola Cup champions, Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Odirile said they will punish clubs which take them lightly.
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