No Rollers approach for Zapata yet
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday October 19, 2018 14:46
The country’s most lucrative club coaching job became available on Tuesday after the league champions parted ways with Serbian tactician, Nikola Kavazovic just a season at the helm of the team.
The move sparked speculation that Zapata could come back to the BTC Premiership but this time, with the blue side of the city. The Argentine quit as the head coach of Kenyan giants AFC Leopards last month after just four months in charge of the team.
According to reports in Kenya, he cited that he would be conducting coaching clinics in the USA. Speaking to Mmegi Sport from New York, Zapata was quick to deny Rollers’ approach but said he was open to a move.
“Nothing yet, after my job in Kenya I am (conducting) coaching USA development. I’m waiting for a new challenge. I know Township Rollers and they know my philosophy,” he said.
Zapata was appointed the Reds coach in February 2016 and guided the team to a respectable fourth position beating Rollers after just five games in charge.
At GU, Zapata always fought off-field battles as the club was engulfed in financial crisis. The 52-year-old left for the east African nation earlier this year and helped the team finish seventh in the 18-teams league.
He was knocked out of the SportPesa Shield before leaving his post. Zapata has also worked in South Africa, with Mpumalanga Black Aces in a brief spell in 2014, before retuning to the USA.
Goalkeeper coach, Thabo Motang and assistant coach, Leutlwetse Tshireletso are in charge of Rollers as caretaker coaches as the team eyes its fourth consecutive league title.
Popa have already started their search for a new coach and a number foreign coaches are expected to show their interest in the lucrative post. This weekend, Rollers are engaged in a high profile encounter against arch-rivals, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, as they seek to maintain their place at the summit of the log.