21 Jun 2018

Orapa United has penned a two year deal with former Township Rollers assistant coach Mogomotsi Mpote.

Mpote and Township Rollers amicably parted ways at the end of the season together with the Serbian Dragilo Stagnolvic who was appointed technical director during the 2017/18 campaign.

Mpote was under the radar of several local teams but Orapa United have won the race.

Gaborone United was keen on luring Mpote as a replacement for Rudolf Zapata who joined African Leopards in Kenya, but the two parties could not strike a deal.

The former Miscellaneous’ coach illustrious spell at the club began in 2013 when he was signed as an assistant to the then head-coach Madinda Ndlovu.

Mpote’s impetus at Township Rollers was significant for a long time and his reign of success was during the 2016/2017 season when he became one of the few Batswana to win the domestic league since 2006 when Sthandwa Mogwadi won it with Police XI.

His switch to Orapa United will add impetus to the mining club that looks set to challenge for league honours in the upcoming season.

With a possible continental adventure in the next African Confederations Cup, Orapa United will turn to Mpote’s wealth of experience given his exploits with Rollers in the CAF Champions League.

The public relations officer at Orapa United, Kabo William confirmed the deal between Mpote and the club highlighting that Mpote would be joining the team as Bongani Mafu’s right-hand man.

“We are delighted to have roped in a coach of his caliber and experience as an assistant coach for the upcoming season, and he will be joining the team late June for pre-season preparations,” said William.

He explained that part of the club’s mandate for the next season was to win the league, adding that “having a coach accustomed to league silverware gives our technical team a plus.”

William also confirmed that the club had decided against renewing the contracts of Patrick Lenyeletse, Kemmy Pilato, Ronald Chikomo and Mosimanegape Roberts.

When quizzed about Lesenya Ramoraka’s proposed move to Highlands Park, William said both parties were engaged in negotiations.

“Yes we have an offer on the table which we are happy with, but for now we are just waiting for the player to engage his representatives in the negotiations.

I am hoping we will conclude the deal before pre-season,” he said. Ends