Mpote fell ill ahead of unveiling - BFA
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday February 12, 2022 06:00
The BFA announced Mpote as the interim national team coach last week Thursday, and the Orapa United mentor was due to address a press conference on Tuesday. However, the event was cancelled at the 11th minute without explanation, except that the meeting would be convened at a later date. Reports were the BFA was still ascertaining if the coach’s coaching badges were sufficient to enable him to sit on the Zebras bench.
But Mphukuthi has rubbished the reports and instead said Mpote fell ill in the hours leading to Tuesday’s briefing.
“I wonder where you get those reports because I don't recall BFA having such discussion (regarding Mpote’s eligibility). I can confirm that those allegations are not true. Unfortunately, he cited ill-health (for not attending the press conference) following his booster jab,” he said yesterday.
But a source maintained it was imperative to ascertain if Mpote qualifies to sit on the Zebras bench. At Orapa United, Philimon Makwengwe, who has a CAF A license had to be brought in to sit on the bench for Champions League matches.
CAF has set new requirements where only coaches with CAF A licenses or better are appointed head coaches for club competitions.
"The issue of deciding whether he qualifies or not is imperative. It borders on similar expectations laid down by CAF and FIFA when they determined the club licensing requirements for coaches. The fact that he did not qualify at CAF championship games to an extent that Orapa had to rope in Philimon should be precedent enough to the BFA,” a source said.
“BFA should learn to abide by rules of the game and avoid double standards. If he qualifies they should call a press conference and quote regulations that they rely upon in making the appointment,” the source added.
Mpote told Mmegi Sport that he is eligible to sit on the Zebras bench, with reports the coach has a UEFA B license. That could not be verified as Mpote said he could only address the issue during his unveiling.
Mpote is expected to name his assistants, with reports Pontsho Moloi and Innocent Morapedi could be roped in.
Despite lingering questions on Mpote’s availability, the coach has proved he is capable when called upon to take charge of the Zebras. He became the second coach, after Peter Butler, to reach the finals of the COSAFA Cup, where he lost 1-0 to Zambia.
The Zebras are preparing for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations preliminary round tie against the world’s least ranked country, Eritrea next month.
A loss would mean the Zebras do not progress to the group stages.