Mpote calls up Swedish-based player who once snubbed Botswana
Mqondisi Dube | Monday November 14, 2022 21:25
Mahoto was called up by Namibia in 2020 and was quoted as saying he had no connection with Botswana. “Namibia is my motherland. I have no connection with Botswana besides the fact that I was born there. As for Sweden, I just have citizenship because I grew up there,” Mahoto was quoted as saying in an article published in the Namibian. He was called up at a time when Namibia was preparing for the African Nations Championships (CHAN) finals held in Cameroon which were due to be held in Cameroon that year (2020) but were postponed due to COVID-19.
On Monday, Mpote named Mahoto in his side that is preparing to face Angola in an international friendly match at the Dobisonville Stadium in Soweto next week. Mpote told Mmegi Sport that he has been in touch with the player’s coach regarding his progress. Mpote also said he has watched footage of the player in action in the Scandinavian country. “I have been monitoring his play through videos and also I speak to his coach,” Mpote said. According to information, Mahoto is a 23-year-old left footed attacking midfielder. Mahoto was born in Francistown on January 20, 1999 to Namibian parents but grew up in Sweden. He has played for IFK Lulea before moving to Kariskrona in the second division. Meanwhile, Mpote will officially be unveiled as Zebras coach at Lekidi Centre on Tuesday morning.
The Zebras squad Goalkeepers: Goitseone Phoko (GU), Kenneth Mmoko (Sua Flamingoes), Lesenya Malapela (Orapa United) Defenders: Mosha Gaolaolwe (Township Rollers), Thato Kebue, Mothusi Johnson (both GU), Chicco Molefe (Police XI), Tebogo Kopelang (Security Systems), Goitseone Legopelo (Flamingoes) Midfielders: Mpho Kgaswane, Mothusi Cooper, Lebogang Ditsele (all GU), Phenyo Serameng (Rollers), Tawana Mbakile (Security Systems), Godiraone Modingwane (BDF XI), Gofaone Mabaya, Boakeditswe Talane (both Orapa United), Gape Mohutsiwa (ASO Chlef - Algeria), Ethany Mahoto (Sweden), Forwards: Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Thero Setsile (both GU), Molaodi Tlhalefang (Security Systems), Kabelo Seakanyeng (Dibba Fujairah - United Arab Emirates), Tumisang Orebonye (Olympique Club De Khouribga - Morocco)