Notwane part ways with Kofi

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Thursday January 28, 2010 00:00

 

The move comes as no surprise as there have been doubts over Kofi's credentials since he replaced veteran Zimbabwean, Paul Moyo. Notwane spokesperson, Andrew Mokgatlhane said yesterday the decision to sack the coach was taken in the best interest of the club. Kofi has been sent packing though he guided the previously winless Notwane to three consecutive victories in the league against Jwaneng Comets, TAFIC and BMC. 'The coach was on probation which ends on February 11 and when we met to decide his future, the management decided that we should not engage him on a permanent basis. The move might come as a surprise to many because he guided us to our first win last month when we were struggling. But sometimes winning alone does not guarantee one's future and it is quite unfortunate that we had to come to the decision of parting ways with him. We are in the last lap of the league where we need to ensure that everything is in place so that we do not relegate,' said Mokgatlhane.

He added that when they met with the coach, he decided that it is best to leave than wait for the probation to come to an end. He stated that the coach was grateful to Notwane for giving him an opportunity to lead a big club. Mokgatlhane said the coach believes that the experience he gained at Toronto would go a long way in helping him in the future.

He dismissed speculation that Notwane's decision to send Kofi packing was influenced by the fact that the tactician did not tell them the truth about his qualifications. 'The truth of the matter is that when he arrived here, we didn't know much about him. We verified his credentials through BFA technical officer, (Phillemon) Makwengwe and we didn't have any doubt about his CV. We've given him a chance to prove his mettle but sometimes these things happen in football,' Mokgatlhane explained.

With the departure of Kofi, assistant coaches, Fabian Zulu and Chris Rabalago have been given the task of leading Toronto in their Coca-Cola Cup first round replay against Prisons XI at the Molepolole Stadium last night. The duo would continue in a caretaker capacity when Notwane host TAFIC in a be MOBILE Premier League game in Molepolole on Saturday.

Following Kofi's sacking, Notwane is believed to be in negotiations with a number of coaches. It is understood that talks are at an advanced stage and the new man will be announced soon.

'We hope that by next week, the new coach would start his job as soon as his paper work has been finalised. I'll be in a position to reveal his name (today) when we are done with the negotiations,' he told Mmegi Sport yesterday. Mokgatlhane urged supporters to rally behind the club throughout the season. He said his committee will continue doing its best to ensure that the interests of the supporters are met. 'They have shown confidence in electing us into office and we will not disappoint them,' he promised.

He said that Notwane have given Mochudi Centre Chiefs the greenlight to negotiate with star midfielder, Galabgwe Moyana. 'Once Chiefs agree personal terms with the player, they would come to us to negotiate the club's fee. I must mention that it is never our intention to stop any player from moving,' he said. Mmegi Sport is reliably informed that both clubs met on Tuesday night to discuss the transfer fee.

Moyana is likely to make his debut for the Kgatleng giants on Sunday when they meet bitter rivals, Township Rollers at the UB Stadium.