New Gunners coach targets survival
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday January 31, 2020 12:23
Mokoke was appointed coach for the Lobatse giants on a one-year deal last week following his bitter split with Molepolole City Stars.
He replaces veteran tactician, Stanley Mwaanga who left Gunners to join TAFIC over the Christmas break.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport ahead of his Gunners debut, Mokoke welcomed the pressure to coach one of the best supported teams in the country. At just 28 years of age, Pepezino is the youngest elite coach.
City Stars gave him his big break at just 27 years of age and he is ready for a bigger challenge at Gunners.
“The job comes with pressure.
Gunners have a large fan base and I need support. It doesn’t have to be about my age and the history of the club but what I can do,” he said. “I need to prove myself.
The aim is to stay away from relegation as much as possible and maybe try to squeeze in to the top eight. I am confident that we will not go down, I will be happy to help the team do so while it would also be a personal triumphs for me, a boost for my CV.”
Mokoke has an unpleasant record in the league with just two wins, a draw and seven losses in his 10-game reign at City Stars. Ironically, his first win was a 1-0 win on December 1 against BDF XI, his opponents tomorrow.
On Saturday afternoon, Mokoke will lead Gunners against Matebele at the Lobatse Sports Complex.
“We have been preparing well. The team is training regularly than before, I have a full squad. Hopefully, new signings will be available for Saturday. I should not put myself under pressure. My aim is to survive relegation, and I start with the Saturday game,” he said.
Gunners have roped in Senatla Molefe, Pako Modikwa, Letlhogonolo Mosala and prodigal son, Tshepo ‘Talk-Talk’ Motlhabankwe.
Over the weekend, Mokoke’s troops face a BDF XI side that has conceded seven in the last two games. Matebele have been hot and cold this campaign, but are vying for a top eight finish.
Like their opponents, Gunners have won twice in the last five games. From a scoring a goal on his debut, Molefe will be hoping to add more in the early days of his Gunners’ career. In other games tomorrow, City Stars take on Miscellaneous at the Molepolole Sports Complex in an earlier kick off before Prisons XI face off with TAFIC in the double header. Log leaders, Orapa United face-off against Gaborone United at the Itekeng Stadium. Mahalapye Railways Highlanders welcome Jwaneng Galaxy at the Serowe Sports Complex while Police XI and Notwane meet at the Otse Stadium. At 1900hrs, relegation threatened Gilport host holders Township Rollers at the National Stadium. On Sunday, Security Systems are away to face Morupule Wanderers in Serowe.