Tuks coach believes Nato can shine

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Wednesday June 20, 2012 00:00

 

Barker is out to beef up his squad ahead of the ABSA Premiership season and has invited Nato for a five day trial next week. The former youth international leaves for Pretoria, South Africa over the weekend to start trials on Monday next week.

Barker confirmed inviting the national team midfielder and is convinced he has what it takes to shine in the ABSA Premiership. 'We have invited Nato for a trial next week. We have watched a couple of games that he has played and he is quite an impressive young talent. So we want to bring him here and see what he can do,' Barker told Mmegi Sport.

The veteran gaffer watched as Nato rescued the Zebras during their 2014 World Cup qualifier that ended 1-1 at the University of Botswana Stadium recently.Barker believes in Botswana talent, having worked with Phenyo Mongala a few seasons ago before his move to Orlando Pirates.

Mongala was part of the Tuks' side that went as far as the Nedbank Cup final in 2009 alongside the likes of Bucs' anchorman, Andile Jali and Kaizer Chiefs' Mthokozisi Yende. 'We signed Phenyo Mongala, another Botswana talent, a few years ago and he did well for us. I believe Nato could do well in the ABSA Premiership,' he said.

Nato has been in fine form in the Mascom Top 8, scooping three man-of-the-match awards so far. In fact, the 23-year-old has been named man-of-the-match in all his club's Top 8 games. He got the award when GU played Santos in the first and second legs of the quarterfinals before winning it on Sunday when The Reds fell 1-2 to Township Rollers.

He is one of the talents that Zebras' coach, Stanley Tshosane is building his team around. Tshosane is on record as encouraging his national team stars to seek moves outside the country and would be a happy man should the 23-year-old make the grade at AmaTuks.