Jelusic to join Chiefs,Masomere for GU

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 4, 2009 00:00

 

He will replace Zambian, Beston Chambeshi who is linked with the Gaborone United (GU) job as fellow countryman, Mike Sithole is on the verge of getting the Zebras job. Other reports say Chambeshi is headed back to Zambia to lead the national Under-20 after failing to defend both the Premier League and the Coca-Cola Cup. It is said that Luke Masomere who is now at Nico United might return to GU, the club that thrust him to the limelight after he joined from Zimbabwe in 2006. The imminent changes at the two giants come after contrasting seasons.

GU piped Chiefs to the be MOBILE Premier League title, ending a 19-year drought. Sithole was credited for a splendid job at the Reds and reportedly caught the eye of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) who are eager to have him as Zebras coach. Both Sithole and BFA have confirmed that the Zambian applied for the job. However, a decision is still to be made although it looks in all likelihood he will succeed Stan Tshosane.

Chiefs did not have the best season after failing to defend their two titles. It is reported that Chambeshi is going to be shown the door with Jelusic making a surprise return.

Jelusic was in charge of Chiefs in 2000 before moving to Angola. He then made a return to Botswana to take charge of the Zebras and was an instant hero after turning around the national side's fortunes. It was under the tutelage of the Serbian that the Zebras reached dizzying heights, performing admirably in the World and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He stepped down to assume a less recognised role of national youth coach.

Jelusic has remained largely anonymous until his recent link to Chiefs. Chiefs have reportedly offered him a two-year contract with a sponsor responsible for his package.

Efforts to get a comment from Chiefs' publicity officer, Clifford Mogomotsi proved futile at the time of going to press.

Meanwhile, GU spokesperson, Losika 'Luzboy' Seboni said Sithole is still their coach and denied that they are in talks with Chambeshi. He said in the event of Sithole joining the Zebras, GU will hunt for a reputable coach. 'We still have Sithole as our coach. If it happens that he joins the Zebras, we will look for a reputable coach. Chambeshi is such coach who fits the bill and so is Masomere,' Seboni said. Masomere joined Nico in the middle of the season and managed to save the modest Selebi-Phikwe side from relegation. He however, could not shed any light on a possible move to GU. 'There is no one who has approached me. We will cross the bridge when we get there. At the moment, I cannot comment further,' Masomere said.