Mogapi laid to rest

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Tuesday May 29, 2007 00:00

 

Mogapi, 61, died at the Gaborone Private Hospital on May 18 after a long-illness. He served on the Rollers' committee between 1991 and 1997. He later became the vice president of Botswana Football Association (BFA), assisting Ismael Bhamjee.

Speaking at the funeral, club chairman David Mmui praised Mogapi for changing Rollers' fortunes and making it a household name under his leadership. It was during Mogapi's reign that Rollers brought high-profile Zambian players like Joseph Chikoti, Dennis Kabwe and Webster Kwarusimba. Mapalastina won the Coca-Cola Cup in 1993, 1994 and 1996. Rollers also grabbed the league championship in 1995, something that Mmui attributed to Mogapi's leadership qualities. It was in 1996 that Rollers introduced youngsters like Phineas Maimela, Seabo Gabanakgosi, and Tshepiso Molwantwa who also became household names at Rollers. 'When he arrived at Rollers, he established links with supporters and members within Mapalastina. That's one of the things, which helped him to turn Rollers into what it is today. I am proud to be serving in the same position Rre Mogapi held and promise that we would not let him down,' said the Rollers' chairman.
BFA president Phillip Makgalemele said that Mogapi's contribution to the development of football in Botswana 'is there for everybody to see'. The BFA boss praised the fallen hero for coming up with the name for the multi-million Pula BFA offices outside the National Stadium. 'When we were looking for the name for our new offices, Rre Mogapi suggested Lekidi and when we asked for the meaning of the word, he said 'seedbed',' he said. Makgalemele said Mogapi also played a part in the book called Football Through The Years. The BFA president said it was sad that Mogapi died at a time when they had just launched their new project, Football Development Appeal (FODA) because they had expected him to be among the first contributors.

Former BFA chief executive officer Ashford Mamelodi said that he had enjoyed working with Mogapi who was a jolly good fellow. Mamelodi told the mourners that Mogapi believed in hard work and his death has robbed the country of one of the best advisors.