16 Jan 2019

The football fraternity is mourning the passing away of former Notwane goalkeeper and caretaker coach Tirafalo ‘Sheleng’ Mogorosi, who died on January 15.

Mogorosi, who died on January 15, had a distinguished playing career at Notwane, which he joined from Shoshong United in the mid-80s.

He later served as the team’s assistant coach as well as caretaker coach on two separate occasions.

He acted as Notwane caretaker coach at the beginning of the 2008/09 season after the club sacked Paul Moyo.

Sheleng also held the same role between February and May 2015.

Sheleng also had spells as assistant coach at BMC as well as goalkeeper coach for the Under 23 and Under 20 national teams.

He also had a brief stint as head coach of Lesirane City in the first division south league and Happy Hearts in the Gaborone City regional league.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president Maclean Letshwiti paid tribute to Mogorosi on Tuesday, saying the former goalkeeper made a meaningful contribution to football, in particular goalkeeping.

“The National Executive Committee and staff would like to convey their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr Tirafalo ‘Sheleng’ Mogorosi. Mr Mogorosi was in years gone by, the national under 23 and under 20 men’s teams’ goalkeeper coach,” said Letshwiti.

Notwane president Tebogo Sebego, said in an interview that Mogorosi was a Notwane man through and through and his death was big loss for the club.

“He played for this team from 1985 until he retired. He then joined our famous youth development team, which produced the likes of Pontsho and Dirang (Moloi), Tlhalefang (Molefe), Galabgwe (Moyana), Shoes (Selefa) and (Thabo) Mbole. He later joined the team as assistant to Paul Moyo,” said Sebego.

He said Mogorosi was one of the people who dedicated their lives to Notwane and was always available to help the team when approached for assistance.

Former Township Rollers and Zebras striker, Mmoni ‘States’ Segopolo said Mogorosi was a friendly person who was well liked by players.

“He was a jolly person and players like Noah Maposa and Shoes Selefa were very close to him and would tease him during the under 23 camps, and he never had problems with it.

He was such a friendly person. I am saddened by his death, but also thankful for his contribution to football and what I have learned from him,” said Segopolo. 

He said ‘Mashila’ was one of the people who laid a foundation for the formation of the Footballers Union Botswana (FUB).

Concerning their playing days, he said Mogorosi was one of the best goalkeepers during their time.

“He was approaching retirement when I started playing in the Super League, so I played against him a couple of times only, but he was good. Somebody told me that ‘Mashila’ was the best goalkeeper to come from Shoshong after China Mading,” said Segopolo. ENDS