Gaborone United playmaker Jackie Mothatego is attracting interest from South African side Bloemfontein Celtic. The Zebras player has been on Celtic’s radar since last season and his club has vowed not to stand in his way if the Premier Soccer League (PSL) side submits a formal bid. Moyagoleele are resigned to losing their midfielder and they expect the Bloemfontein club to make a formal bid in the December/January transfer window. Mothatego impressed Celtic coach Clinton Larsen during his scouting trips to Botswana towards the end of last season.
Larsen has been a keen admirer of the player since watching him in the Mascom Top 8 final against BDF XI as well as the 2014 World Cup Qualifier between Zebras and Ethiopia. “Celtic has been scouting Jackie and we expect them to continue doing so in the upcoming season. They have told us to also compile video footage of his performances to help them analyze him more,” said GU’s secretary general, Herbert Letsebe.Jackie has been an integral part of the national team since scoring in a friendly match against Malawi earlier this year. He has regularly featured in the national side for the crucial World Cup qualifying matches, the COSAFA Cup and the CHAN Qualifiers.
Larsen could get another chance to see the playmaker when the Zebras take on South Africa on September7, in a World Cup qualifying game at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. Letsebe added that they signed former BDF XI midfielder Kabo Rasuping to make up for Mothatego’s possible departure.” We signed players with the intent of providing cover for each position. If we lose Jackie in the next transfer window we will soften the blow with Rasuping. He is almost certainly a direct replacement if Jackie leaves,” continued Letsebe. Left sided winger Kgololo Kgogobi is also on Celtic’s wanted list according to GU’s secretary-general and he could join Phunya Selesele alongside Mothatego in a double transfer swoop.
In anticipation of Kgogobi’s possible transfer, they had earmarked Lemponye Tshireletso as a replacement but the former BDF XI player joined Mochudi Centre Chiefs. GU has revealed that they are likely to embark on a pre-season tour of South Africa next year. They have lined up the likes of Kaizer Chiefs, Bidvest Wits, Supersport United, Celtic, Free State Stars, University of Pretoria and Polokwane City. Letsebe concluded by stating that they have written proposals to the PSL clubs and they are hopeful of I finalizing the tour once clubs reach an agreement.