BOTSWANA BELONGS WITH THE BIG 5-RUDOLF ZAPATA

BY:Kabelo Seleka

GABORONE:2018/2019 Orange FA Cup finalist and Township Rollers mentor Rudolph Zapata exclaimed that Botswana National team Zebras should be fighting with the big five in African football.

 Botswana Football Association(BFA) is currently in recruitment of a national team coach following the sacking of Mogoditshane Fighers and the then national under 23 hero Major David Bright.

Bright was fired following a dismal guidance of the zebras whose mission were to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged next month in Egypt.

Moreover he was also expected to improve Botswana’s (FIFA) ranking by 15 places up and failed.

According to media reports and Sunday Standard in particular, BFA has allegedly already hired a former Rollers Serbian mentor, Nikola Kavazovic, as the senior national team head coach whom has just being fired at South African outfit Free State Stars following relegation to a lower league.

When reached for a comment, the Rollers gaffer Zapata, alluded that Botswana should hire someone who knows Botswana football culture  following his team’s sailing to the FA cup finals after molesting government institutionalized footballing club BDF ix with a 2nil win courtesy of Ofentse Nato and Joel Mogorosi on target shots.

Botswana is currently ranked not even in top 20 of African FIFA rankings. Zapata lamented that Botswana has about 30 quality and world class players and 20 youth players who have what it takes to take Botswana forward and should atleast compete with the big five.

“This country has 30 very competitive players and they have another 20 players who I believe that I believe that they can take Botswana to the next level,the most important thing is to have a program and support the youngsters.” Stated Zapata.

For his part the caretaker coach Mogomotsi Teenage Mpote narrated that if BFA has found a coach they will bring him.Mpote noted that he has not applied for the post as he believes that if BFA trust his judgment they will hire him.Mpote summed that he will also support whoever is hired even if its Nikola besides there alleged fallout in Popa camp.

“Im there to coach the national team,hababone(BFA) coach they will bring him,I dont even bother myself that gore kere mongwe otshwanetse gore areng…no kego reile kare hanke ke applaya.”Narrated Mpote.

BDF xi mentor Nelson Setswane supported Mpote for the national team coach post.Setshwane said that Mpote is good,but we are an impatient nation and Botswana undermines the locals

“Mpote is good,give him a chance,rena le problem mo Botswana we are very impatient,keeng ere ngwana a irile phoso abo o montsha,Mpote ene haa ira phoso wa montsha.”Stated Setshwane.

Official communication from BFA is that six candidates have been shortlisted   whom have shown interest in the hot seat while Mpote will continue with his caretaker role to lead Botswana at 2019 COSAFA Cup in South Africa.