“I have proved myself’’ – Mpote

  • Won’t apply for Orapa United, Zebras posts
  • “Rollers dominance had to be stopped” – Mpote

TLOTLO KEBINAKGABO

Mogomotsi Mpote believes he has done enough to be considered for the full time coaching roles at Orapa ‘Ostriches’ United and the Zebras.

Mpote was appointed as the Ostriches caretaker coach following the departure of Czech coach Tomas Trucha, he led them to a third place finish in the league. Teenage as Mpote, is otherwise known, also guided the Ostriches to cup glory after beating Township Rollers 3-0 in the final of the Orange FA Cup played in Francistown this past weekend.

On the other side Mpote has also been doubling up as interim coach at the Zebras and has won four of his six encounters since taking over in February. His notable success with the national side was leading them to the COSAFA Cup final, beating neighbouring South Africa in process.

“I will not apply for the coaching role because if you have been tested, given the games, shown people what you are capable of and they ask you to apply for the job then that means there is something wrong. I believe I have proved myself at Orapa,” said Mpote in an interview with Gazette Sport after their win against Rollers.

“I have also not applied for the Zebras job, I mean look at the games that I played at the Zebras and tell me if you are not satisfied with what I have done or not. If you are then I am the right person and if not that means I will have to work even harder to ensure that I get the job,” stated Mpote. Mpote also added that he would accept the Zebras coaching role if he is given the opportunity as he is ready to serve the nation.

Meanwhile Mpote is yet to lose against Rollers ever since taking charge of Orapa United. Mpote has played against Rollers two times in which he emerged victorious in both encounters. He defeated them 2-1 in the 2018/19 BTC premiership season, he went on to defeat them for the second time this past weekend.

“It all depends on your plan and how your players execute it. I believe preparing well was the most vital point in winning this game and if you look at this tournament I think my team is the one that has scored more goals than any other team, which means we have been preparing well,” he said.

Mpote said his challenge prior to the game was Rollers’ dominance which he believes has to be ended. “It is not good for people to maintain that Rollers is dominating local football, it is our duty as coaches to make sure that we play at our best and defeat them to end that dominance. We must not just sit back and say they are dominating local football,” said former national U20 gaffer.