Misfiring Mabogo pleads with GU fans

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Thursday January 21, 2010 00:00

 

After missing clear-cut chances in the two games, some supporters have been wondering why the Reds signed him. Their argument is that Mabogo was a bench-warmer at Chiefs and the management could have gone for a player who has been banging goals. 'I understand their frustration but they have to know that I have not been playing at Chiefs and I lack confidence. I can assure them that I am working on my finishing in training and goals will come as soon as I have regained my confidence. The good thing is that the coach (Manfred Chibanga) understands my problem and is helping me to regain my form,' he said.

After joining the Reds from Chiefs, Mabogo told Mmegi Sport that he feels like a born-again because now he starts games. 'I came to GU wanting some game time hence I left Chiefs. Now that I'm getting that (game time), I'm happy and will strive to do my best,' he said. Mabogo joined Chiefs two seasons ago from BDF XI and immediately won the hearts of Magosi supporters with his killer instinct in front of goal. He helped Chiefs to win their first league title in 2008 and the lucrative Coca-Cola in a season when the club played 35 official games without defeat. 'Though most people might say we (GU) have an outside chance of retaining the league title, I believe that it's out of our reach. All I want to concentrate on is helping the team do well in the Coca-Cola Cup and Champions League,' Mabogo said. The Reds face little-known Combination Stars in the Coke Cup this Saturday in Francistown before facing South African powerhouse, Orlando Pirates in the CAF Champions League next month.

Mabogo said he was forced to dump Magosi because he was tired of warming the bench though there were reports that coach Wesley Mondo was not willing to release him. He explained that he could have left in September last year but since the coach showed interest in him, he stayed put. But when things did not improve, he decided that joining another club was a better option. 'I don't know what made me sit on the bench under Mondo considering that the previous season, I had done well in terms of scoring goals.

But coaches are different and come with different philosophies,' he added. Mabogo pointed out that despite leaving, he had a fruitful time at the Kgatleng giants.

He applauded the management and supporters for rallying behind him during his time at Magosi. 'Chiefs' supporters made me to enjoy football and they'll always remain close to my heart,' said the burly striker.

GU secretary Kagiso Sebele said they recruited Mabogo because of his experience.

'Though he was not a regular, we believe that his experience will come handy and help some of the youngsters in the team. As you are aware, we are involved in many competitions and that is where we will need players like Mabogo. But I must make it clear that we are not expecting miracles from him,' said Sebele.