Mpote bemoans lack of experience
Chakalisa Dube | Friday December 7, 2018 13:08
Mpote watched haplessly on Wednesday night as his charges conceded two quick goals at the beginning of the second half in a CAF Confederations Cup clash against visiting Atlético Petróleos de Luanda at the Francistown Sports Complex.
The host bowed out of the competition 6-0 on aggregate after suffering a 4-0 humiliation in the first leg. This was the second time Orapa have been eliminated from the competition at the first hurdle.
“In terms of talent we are on a par with many African countries, especially those from the SADC region, but we lack the necessary experience. We are a new team and we need to gain much exposure. Experience is a very important factor in big competitions,” Mpote said.
The former Township Rollers coach said the team would have done better if some of the players, who participated in last season’s Confederations Cup, were still around.
Only a handful of players who played prominently in the two-legged Confederations Cup tie against Mbabane Swallows of eSwatini, are still on the books of the Ostriches. Swallows won 4-2 on aggregate. Players who featured in that game such as Mosimanegape Robert, Patrick Lenyeletse and Ronald Chikomo have since left the club. Mpote said his goal is to win the league or the Mascom Top 8 cup in order to qualify for the Champions League or Confederations Cup. He said this would expectedly help his players to gain experience and exposure.
“If you look at Township Rollers they qualified for the group stages after years of failing. Failing gave them exposure and the much needed experience in key aspects, which helped them qualify for the group stages early this year. We have to patiently follow their concept,” Mpote said. He also expressed hope that the club fans will group if the club constantly produced results and took part in very big competitions such as the Confederations Cup. Only a few supporters turned up for the match against the Angolan side.
The low turnout was also attributed to the cloudy weather in the city.