Local coaches eager to impart Man United trip expertise
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Monday March 23, 2026 06:00
Seven coaches were recently chosen for an upskilling trip to Old Trafford following talks between President Duma Boko and the English giants' investor, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. In an interview, TAFIC coach Thatayaone Sonny, said it was a great opportunity to be a part of the chosen coaches.
He was thrilled at the opportunity to travel abroad and further grow as an individual.
“It's one of the things that will help me develop as an individual, and obviously, I should be able to come back home and share with my fellow colleagues,” Sonny continued.
He further said that he will share his experience with his players and other coaches so that they can develop sport in Botswana.
Township Rollers assistant coach, Edwin Moalosi, said the elite training will advance his profession.
“It will improve me individually and help me take things to the next level,” he added.
Moalosi further expressed his excitement, noting that the training will enhance his skills and boost his morale, which is a positive step for his career.
Calendar Stars coach, Joseph Chippa Mokgacha, was pleased for the other coaches.
He stated that sending coaches to Manchester United to study elite football operations would be beneficial for the growth of Botswana football.
'I believe our coaches would benefit greatly from the move. We don't have sufficient advancement in football as a nation,' he stated.
According to Mokgacha, local football players are likewise underdeveloped from an early age.
Additionally, he stated that the lack of school sports at the moment is a cause for concern with regards to the development of football.
“I'm a teacher myself, but without school sports, without the development, our national structures are always going to suffer,” he added.
Mokgacha said that if the chosen coaches are going there, the goal is for them to comprehend and be knowledgeable of how academies and development are being run there.
'I think they would come well-informed and well-equipped to come and help us on how to develop periodisation, looking at the age and many other things that can help us grow our football in the country,' he concluded.
President Boko recently announced that seven local football coaches will be sent to Manchester United to study elite football operations.
Furthermore, this initiative aims to strengthen local coaching standards and accelerate the development of domestic football. The selected coaches will gain practical knowledge and exposure to advanced training methodologies, performance analysis techniques, and modern management practices at Manchester United.
Coaches set to benefit from this programme include Moalosi from Rollers, former Mares coach Alex Malete, Kesego Kgaudi from Makgabz City, Thatayaone Sonny of TAFIC, Seemo Mpatane from Jwaneng Galaxy, Godfrey Ranthoka from Eyes on the Ball club in Palapye, and William Monene from Gaborone United.