Moatlhaping On A Mission

| Monday September 6, 2010 00:00

The Monitor: You have hit early form and this has taken most people by surprise considering that you were not convincing last season. What has changed?

Moatlhaping: When the new coach (Rahman Gumbo) arrived, I told myself that I have to prove to him that I still has what it takes to deliver. What I realised is that he picks players based on their performance at training and that motivated me a lot.

The Monitor: Talking about the coach, what did he tell the players when he arrived?

Moatlhaping: He told us that he will give each player a fair chance and it is up to us to do the right thing in the field of play. What I like about him is that he is a disciplinarian and does not pick players based on reputation. What is also encouraging about him is that he is open to us and if he is not fielding you, he tells you how to improve.

The Monitor: You played under Zambian coach Wesley Mondo last season and now Gumbo has come in. What is the difference between the two tacticians?

Moatlhaping: I know people will think I am saying this because I am playing under Gumbo but it is nothing but the truth. Mondo had his own players and even when they are off-form, he kept on fielding them, which was not good. It really de-motivated some of us who were not playing. Honestly, I did not enjoy playing under Mondo and I am happy he has left. The Monitor: Your combination with Mara Moloi seems to be working wonders. What is the secret?

Moatlhaping: At the moment, both of us want to prove to the football fraternity that we are still good players. Our form went down last season when the coach did not use us. We know that we have a responsibility of scoring goals because there are very few strikers at the club right now.

There is no secret about our combination because we have an understanding having played together at the national Under-23. If the coach continues showing faith in us, I assure you that we will deliver.

The Monitor: As a player, have you set yourself any target this season?

Moatlhaping: I have told myself that I must be among the top scorers this season and if possible, go past the 24 goals I scored during the 2008-2009 season. It is painful to hear people saying that there are no strikers in the country who can score goals.

The good thing is that when you are a striker at Chiefs, things are easy because there are so many creative midfielders at the club. But I must point out that seeking to be a top scorer does not mean I am going to be selfish. The most important thing is to see the team doing well.

If I continue scoring goals, it won't be long before I re-join the Zebras. Even the coach (Stanley Tshosane) told me that it was difficult to call me to the Zebras because I was not playing at Chiefs. I also want to return to the South African Premier League where I played in the past. The good thing is that Owen Da Gama is back at Platinum Stars and if I continue doing well, he might recall me.

The Monitor: The return of Pontsho Moloi seems to have brought a new lease of life at Chiefs.  How influential is he as a player?

Moatlhaping: Pontsho is one guy who changed Chiefs when he first joined from Notwane and Chiefs won the league when he was the captain (2007-2008 season).  He knows the club inside out and everyone respects him so much. Pontsho is a passionate player and knows how to get the best out of his teammates. I have no doubt that his return will see us winning cups like before.

The Monitor: There is a belief that you are one of the most difficult players in the league. Is this true?

Moatlhaping: You can't change what people think about you no matter what. All I know is that I have never created any problems at Chiefs since joining them.  The problem is that people still use what happened at Rollers (in 2005) against me but I have moved on. Honestly, in Botswana football, administrators hate a player who knows his rights. If you are outspoken, they say you are a troublemaker.

The Monitor: Do you think Chiefs can win the league this season?

Moatlhaping: Chiefs have been consistent the past three seasons and I have no doubt we can win the league.  You can see that every player seems to be enjoying his game and the management will do their best to ensure that nothing distracts us.  I call on our supporters to continue attending the games in large numbers because they motivate us.