Rollers in Mpote dilemma over CAF requirements
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday January 17, 2017 14:28
Mpote’s appointment has raised questions as to whether the regional football governing body CAF would allow him to lead the ‘Blues’ in the Champions League. The tactician holds a CAF B licence whereas the requirements are that a coach should have CAF A licence to coach in the Champions League games.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday Masonya said the club is aware of the CAF requirements and would seek further guidance on a way forward as they needed to replace Mark Harrison who has since been appointed the technical director at Baroka FC in South Africa. “We are aware of that (CAF requirements), but we unexpectedly lost our coach who got a better offer in South Africa and we needed a replacement. We came to the decision of appointing Mpote. We have agreed as a club that we would seek further guidance from the association (BFA),” he said.
In a statement released by the club on Sunday, Mpote will head the team until the end of the season. Former players Thabo Motang and Leutlwetse Tshireletso will serve as first and second assistant coaches respectively.
Mogomotsi has been serving as an interim coach since the resignation of Harrison in December. ‘Teenage’ arrived at Popa in 2012 where he served as an assistant coach to Madinda Ndlovu. He was appointed interim coach after Ndlovu resigned following a defeat in the Mascom Top 8 final in 2015. He won the league title with the team twice in the 2013/2014 and the 2015/2016 season.
“We believe that Mogomotsi Mpote, while assisting and guiding our past professional coaches, has gained enough experience to lead this mighty club on his own. The club puts the confidence in him and strongly believes that his vast experience and knowledge of the game will be a huge benefit to our talented players,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, Masonya revealed that the club has started the hunt of a new coach. “We have put an advert of the head coach role but as of now we do not have anyone in line for the job,” he said. It is reported that around 14 coaches have shown interest in the lucrative job.
Rollers will begin their continental campaign away to Caisse Nationale de Prevoynace Socaile (CNaPS) in Madagascar on February 21 before hosting the Islanders on February 28 at the National Stadium. The team currently sits second in the log two points behind leaders Orapa United.