The football karateka

| Friday August 29, 2008 00:00

 

Mmegi: Many people only know you as 'Parker' the former Mochudi Centre Chiefs' striker. Tell us more about yourself?

Mampori: I was born in Marapong, 70km west of Francistown on March 24, 1974. I did my primary and secondary school in Marapong and moved to Gaborone for further education.

Mmegi: It is surprising that you are playing football though it is understood that you are a karateka?

Mampori: It is true that I am a karateka and even today, I still train a lot after football sessions. This helps me to be agile and because of my involvement in karate, I have never suffered injuries like harm-string and others. When Mpho Bakwadi formed Hayashi-Ha in 1997, I was part of it. I decided to focus on karate and leave football but since I was a key member at Chiefs, the then coach Zicky (Ezekiel Mooki) could not budge. That is why I am still playing today.

Mmegi: When did you start playing football?

Mampori: Initially, I was more into athletics. I only started playing football when I got to Gaborone under the influence of some of my colleagues who I was staying with in Broadhurst. We played in the Chappies Little League and joined Broadhurst Sundowns in 1993 before joining Broadhurst United (BU) the following year. While at BU, a certain Ernest Setshwane who we were studying together with asked me to join Mochudi Buffaloes. At the time, Buffaloes were training in Taung, Gaborone and we used to travel to Mochudi for games. Since Buffaloes were campaigning in the Second Division, we just told ourselves that we must help it gain promotion to the First Division. It was not long before a supporter of Chiefs, Peter Mantswe asked me to join the club. I did not want to tell the chairman of Buffaloes since he was supporting GU (Gaborone United). But unfortunately, the information leaked that I intended to join Chiefs. I impressed the then Chiefs' coach, Ezekiel Mpofu in training and he recommended to the management that I be signed. But it was not easy since there was rivalry between Chiefs and Buffaloes.

When I joined Chiefs in 1995, they were campaigning in the First Division. There were established players like the late Careca Moyo, Richard Kwapa and (Edwin) Hlabankane Podile. They were very supportive of me. The fact that there were some young players like Pele (Mareledi Moleboge) and Willie (the late William Kehitile) helped me to settle in well. We managed to help the team back to the elite league. I stayed with Chiefs for 11 years and I must say that I enjoyed my stay there.

Mmegi: After being discarded by Chiefs, many thought you would hang your boots but surprisingly, you joined Santos. How did it happen?

Mampori: When it was clear in 2006 that Chiefs did not want me, I wanted to rejoin Buffaloes. At the time, Chiefs wanted Zamorano (Kaelo Mashiakgomo) from Santos and they decided to swap me with him. I told them that if Santos wanted me, then I would go there. The transfer was done on the last day and I am happy to have joined Santos.

Mmegi: When did you notice that your services were no longer needed at Chiefs?

Mampori: I could have long left in 2003 when the then management said they needed fresh legs. Zacharia (Muzadzi), Fred (Pheko) and I were told in no uncertain terms that we were surplus to requirements. When Chiefs went for the play-offs, the then coach (Ernest) Kupe asked me to be his assistant. In our opening game against Gaborone United (GU) at the UB Stadium, GU scored three quick goals. Then Kupe told me that he was going to exercise his powers as a coach. Surprisingly, he ordered me to warm-up. I had not trained well but I managed to score a hat-trick and we drew 4-4. I went on to score against Township Rollers in the next game. I also scored in a crucial game against Jwaneng Comets in Molepolole. That is why I was retained but from then on, I was always in and out of the team.

Mmegi: Do you feel hard done by Chiefs?

Mampori: To be honest with you, I knew I would not stay forever at Chiefs. I understood that every management which went in would have their own plans and players they want ed to keep. When it was time to leave, I did not have problems and I moved on. I have no hard feelings against Chiefs and I remain a big fan of the team. I still attend their games when I am free and the club will always remain close to my heart. When Chiefs played to a 2-2 draw with Rollers during the second round last season, people were shocked when they saw me celebrating Chiefs' late equaliser. This was because they knew that I am a Santos' player but Chiefs is my team through and through. Nobody can take that away from me

Mmegi: Who is the best player you have ever played with?

Mampori: It has to be Ernest Miti. Everyone who has played with him at Chiefs would tell you how good that guy was. With him in the team, I could not go for three games without scoring because he used to make scoring look easy for me with his perfect passing.

Mmegi: Pick the best 11 players you have played with or against during your career?

Mampori: Lesego Moeng, that guy used to be the best goalkeeper during his time. I do not know what happened to him. Then at right back I would go for Caesar Dintwe, the late William Kehitile (left-back), Patrick Tema and Edwin Masire (central defenders), Richard Kwapa, Tummie Duiker, Ernest Miti and Innocent Ranku (as midfielders) Joseph Chikoti and Tshepiso Molwantwa (attackers).

Mmegi: Some people believe that you broke into the national team very late (2004), what is your take on that?

Mampori: I do agree with them but the situation was beyond my control. At the time when I was at my best, I was not selected and such things can kill the morale of the players. There were times when I was the top scorer in the Super League but was never selected for the national team. One can put the blame on the fact that at the time, coaches were always hired and fired. When (David) Bright was in charge, he had his players. It was hurting to see players not being selected based on form as it is supposed to be the case.

Mmegi: Last season your club Santos was a favourite to push champions Chiefs to the end for the league honours. But you fell by the wayside, what happened?

Mampori: Our planning was very poor. On March 14, we were trailing Chiefs by four points and we played them and lost 2-1. After that game, things fell apart and we lost about six games in a row. That was the end of us as Chiefs kept on winning. We could not train together as a team and some players failed to pitch up for training but on match day, they were included in the starting line-up. That was bad as there was no unity. I am telling you, where there is no unity, you cannot get good results.

Mmegi: What do you think of the current Santos team?

Mampori: Believe me when I say that the team has the potential of going places. Maybe what we need in the next transfer window is to beef-up the defence because if something happens to Pius (Kolagano) and Shoes (Khumo Motlhabane) we are going to be in trouble. We need a defensive midfielder and a centre-forward. It is not good for Santos to rely on me because of my age and work commitments.

Mmegi: During the last transfer window, Santos lost some key players in Raphael Nthwane, Jackie Mothatego, Ringo Rankgomo and Keabetswe Jenamiso. Has the management replace them?

Mampori: We have not replaced Raphael (Nthwane). In defence, we have brought Ace (Letsweletse Seane) from Nico United and a small boy called Kaizer from Gabane. As for Jackie (Mothatego) and Ringo (Rankgomo), we have not replaced them.

Mmegi: In the past, some players have made claims that they are not taken care of at Santos, how far true is this?

Mampori: If you look at it, this is a problem in most clubs. There was an issue like that because I believe that they were not taking some of the youngsters promoted from our development team seriously. They just thought that they were small boys. My belief is that for players to perform to expectations, you need to treat them equally. I am happy that the issue is being taken care of at the moment and everything seems to be going the right way?

Mmegi: Santos have brought in a new coach, Chris Chibuye. What do you think of him?

Mampori: I am sorry to say this. At times I look at that guy and think that he is too big for our league. The discipline at Santos right now is second to none because of him. Even during training, you could hear players saying good things about him. He has totally changed the thinking of the players and what makes him the best is that he believes in giving players a chance no matter what.

Mmegi: Santos play your former team Chiefs on Saturday (tomorrow). Do you think you stand a chance to end Chiefs unbeaten run?

Mampori: A final is tricky and it depends on which team makes use of its chances. I hear people say Chiefs are under pressure to protect their record but I also believe that Santos are under pressure to bring Chiefs' record to an end. So people should look at it from both sides. But I personally believe that the outcome will be decided by the character of players on the day.

Mmegi: How long are we going to see you donning the Santos' colours?

Mampori: Part of me says I should finish with the Coke Cup final and hang up my boots. If I continue, I will quit at the end of the coming season.