I'm ready for full time Zebras job - Mpote
Mqondisi Dube | Friday March 22, 2019 12:44
Mpote was recently appointed the national team’s caretaker coach, following the sacking of David Bright last month.
While the Botswana Football Association’s (BFA) search for a substantive coach points to an expatriate taking over, Mpote has said he is ready, if given the opportunity.
Former Zebras coach, Jelusic Veselin, has been installed as the early favourite to succeed Bright, after a bright stint with the national team between 2003 and 2006.
But Mpote believes he can do the job if appointed on a full time basis.
“My CV is always there (at BFA). Yes, I am ready. A person with my experience will always say they are ‘ready’. I am ready if they want me,” Mpote said this week, ahead of the Zebras final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola at the Francistown Sports Complex tonight.
However, Mpote said he would not be disappointed if he was overlooked for the job.“There are plenty other good coaches.”The Orapa United coach defended his decision to give a late call-up to leading goal scorer, Joel Mogorosi, after an initial snub.
Mpote had said he is focusing on younger players and initially omitted the 34-year-old Township Rollers striker, who is the BTC Premiership top scorer.
But after the unavailability of Omaatla Kebatho due to academic commitments, Mpote was forced to turn to Mogorosi, to add much needed bite and experience upfront.
The coach said Kebatho is an experienced striker, with similar attributes as Mogorosi in terms of leading the frontline.
He said, it was therefore; only natural that Kebatho’s replacement should have the same characteristics.
“I have never changed my mind (regarding development). I want to give young players a chance, but I did not close the door on senior players,” Mpote said, after widespread criticism of his decision to leave out Mogorosi.
“Dunga (Kebatho) has an exam, so I sat down with the technical team and we agreed that we needed a player who has experience like him.” He said he is a keen talent developer; particularly that he handles the Under-23 team.
On local coaches being given the platform, he said it was paramount for coaches to attend courses in order to upgrade their qualifications.The BFA is in the middle of an extensive upskilling programme for coaches, which will see a significant number graduate with the CAF A Licence by next year.