Zapata to stay despite exit talk
Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday April 12, 2017 15:28
The Argentinian, whose contract expires at the end of the season, told journalists at the end of GU’s 1-1 draw against Mochudi Centre Chiefs, that he will be leaving for the USA. “I am going to do coach and player development in the USA.
I will be leaving GU with ten potential under-23 players. My contract is finishing at the end of May. We are in talks, but I think my job would be done after I put GU in the Top 8. I wish all the GU supporters all the best and I am very thankful to Rapula (Okaile, GU chairperson),” he said.
On the contrary, GU management said they have reached a verbal agreement with the coach to stay beyond this season. “We have our technical meetings every Monday, and yesterday (Monday) we reached a gentleman’s agreement with Zapata. So he will still be our coach in the next season,” the club’s secretary general, City Senne told Mmegi Sport yesterday. However, he said they are yet to agree on the terms of the new deal with the coach.
“We want quick results and we should be worried when results are not coming forth. He (Zapata) has a beautiful plan for GU. His style of play is still new to us hence why we intend to keep him,” Senne said.
With the players still not paid their last month’s salaries, Senne confirmed to this publication that they would get their dues before the end of business today. “We cannot deny that we have problems. The players would be paid tomorrow (Wednesday). Remember these are professionals who have responsibilities and it is not a good thing that they are still owed their salaries.”
Zapata who is a stern believer in youth talent told journalists on Sunday that he had a long term plan to develop youngsters at the club.
The colourful coach has been instrumental in the rise of the club’s top goal scorer Tumisang Orebonye. The 21-year-old has bagged-in nine goals in the league campaign and has since caught the eye of national team selectors, as he was part of the national team setup that played Tanzania in an international friendly in March.
“There are many things to change not in GU only, but in Botswana football and it would take a lot of time. I understand that is not easy for supporters to be patient when they do not see good results but we have a long time plan and with me GU has a bright future with these kids,” he said.
GU are enduring their worst season since they won the league title in the 2008/2009 season. Moyagoleele are on the 10th spot with 28 points. They have only won once in their last five games. The Reds would want to return to the top eight as they visit Security Systems on Easter Sunday.