Major squad reshuffle on the cards at GU
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday June 9, 2017 15:53
However last Friday, the club announced that the Argentine will stay at the Reds for a further two years after agreeing a new deal.
The colourful coach, who is enjoying his off-season at his hometown in Argentina, confirmed to Mmegi Sport this week that he will lead the former league champions next season. “The EXCO (executive committee) has promised a new contract and I will be coming back,” he briefly said without explaining the reasons for his comeback. He further said he will be looking to maximise his squad quota after playing the second round of last season with only 21 players instead of the 25.
Zapata said a major reshuffle looms at GU as the club will be looking to fill the spots left by Hendrick Moyo, Moatlhodi Ralesotla, Kenalemang Neo and Mpho Kgaswane who left the Moyagoleele camp in the January transfer window.
“Last season, we played with only 21 players, three goalkeepers and 18 outfield players. I have four more spots that I will need to fill. You must note that half of my squad was players under (the age of) 23,” he said.
Zapata, who is keen admirer of young talent, will however keep most of his junior key players while the players over the age of 30 might be shown the exit door.
Central midfielder, Lerato Botshelo is the first player to get the axe as the club released him at the end of the season. However, the club’s main challenge will be to keep their best players and lure new recruits as they are experiencing financial problems. GU have been in the red since investor, Nicholas Zakhem ended his partnership with the club.
He however returned as a sponsor, but his P1 million donation has been a drop in a big pond at the club as they continue to battle financial problems. The club’s top goal scorer, Tumisang Orebonye has attracted major interest from Orapa United and Township Rollers. GU will face an uphill battle to keep him.
For his part, Zapata said he will return to Botswana at the end of this month where he will give the team his transfer plans. “Our main programme will start at the end of June; that is six weeks before the season starts.
I think it will be best to start that way,” he said. GU finished fifth last season and are on a seven-year league drought, as they last tasted the league championship in 2009.