Morapedi Ends Career Cup Drought
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday December 13, 2021 16:00
It was the gaffer's major title in a coaching career that stretches over two decades. He had won a couple of times when he served as assistant coach. On Saturday night, Morapedi faced his 'friend' Nelson Olebile who sat on the blue corner of Masitaoka.
It was amoment to savour for the two local tacticians as they went toe to toe for the country's biggest knockout tournament. Morapedi came tops with GU's dominant display and to put an icing on the cake, he was on Saturday night selected as the Orange FA Cup Coach of the Tournament, another first into his resumè. He pocketed P10,000. In a post match interview on Saturday night, the trainer was in a jubilant mood and credited his number two, Pontsho Moloi for the hard work. "You see, you learn.
I have assisted so many coaches and it came to a point where I felt I should let go. I must make it clear that I was handpicked by Pontsho to come and work. We have worked together at (Mochudi) Centre Chiefs. I should not forget and will always be thankful to him," he said. Morapedi was only appointed GU head coach in February and ended a six-year cup drought at the Gaborone giants. On the night, The Reds dominated the tournament's awards as playmaker, Thatayaone Kgamanyane received the Player of the Tournament accolade walking away with P40,000.
Striker Kekaetswe Moloi is the tournament top goalscorer with three goals and pocketed P25,000. Goitseone Phoko was voted the tournament's best goalkeeper. He had kept three consecutive clean sheets in the final rounds of the tournament and walked with a P25,000 reward. Tirelo Mositwane and Benjamin Mankanku are the tournament's best referee and assistant referee both walking away with a P10,000 prize money.