A career that first came into prominence at Notwane, refined and reached full bloom at Mochudi Centre Chiefs, has now gone full circle as Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi retraces his steps to a club that holds countless glorious memories, reports Staff Writer, MQONDISI DUBE
With his usual calm demeanour, Moloi gave his final post-match interview as Gaborone United coach after his side failed to breach BDF XI's brittle defence in a 0-0 stalemate on Saturday. Gaborone United had done all the attacking whilst the army side put up an unforgettable rear guard action to salvage a point, whilst in the process, denting the Reds' pursuit of a second title in three seasons. Speculation about Moloi abandoning the Red ship was swelling and a few moments later, in front of journalists and clicking cameras, the cat was out of the bag. Moloi had asked to leave a team that was instrumental in shaping his coaching career. "I had to send someone to speak to Nicholas Zakhem (GU director). He is like a father to me," Moloi said. It had not been an easy decision, a statement expected from a man who spent five years at the Money Machine and was part of the 2022 class that delivered the Premier League title. One would say Moloi's future was the subject of speculation after GU fell behind in the title chase, particularly after a surprise 4-2 defeat to Morupule Wanderers just days earlier. GU are winless in 2025 after opening the year with the reversal in Palapye before the BDF XI stalemate.
With Moloi leaving almost halfway through the campaign, he admitted the team was not exactly where he wanted it to be, but at the same time, it was still within touching distance of the leaders TAFIC. "We are not far off but we are not where we need to be. It is something that is concerning, but we are not far off," he said moments before he threw in the towel. But hardly 24 hours later, Moloi was soaking in a hero's welcome when he went to watch Mochudi Centre Chiefs pick hard-fought three points against Nico United at the VTM Arena. One of the worst-kept secrets was out. By the time Chiefs released a statement announcing Moloi's 'homecoming' it was already stale news, no matter how fresh they appeared. It is unclear what reception Moloi will receive when he returns to face GU with his new 'old' side, but there could be a twinge of betrayal across the Red side. "I don't feel any betrayal as I sat down with the right people, in this case, the director (Zakhem) and we spoke about it. That is why there is no bad blood in terms of my exit," Moloi said in an interview this week.
Moloi's return to a side where he dazzled on the wing appeared inevitable, particularly with a new project, engineered by the Stanton Fredericks Sports Group gaining momentum. There has been talk the new owners will flash the cash and get top football brains to steer the Kgatleng giants back to the days when glory became their synonym. Whilst Moloi was born in Toronto, it was at Chiefs where his playing career reached full bloom as he became a regular tormenter of opposition defenders.
He admits that the decision to leave came earlier than expected, but he has fully embraced it. "This is how the game goes. Sometimes things that are not expected happen. It has happened now and I have embraced it. I am happy about the decision that I have taken. I am happy to be back at Chiefs, which is regarded as my home, so I am very, very happy," he added. Moloi said he gave Zakhem his reasons for leaving and he will be forever be grateful to GU for the opportunity to handle the massive assignment. "I am happy GU embraced me and they played a part in my career. It is not every day that you see a young man like me given a big club like GU and winning. I now leave GU as a man and a far, far much better coach. I will be forever grateful to the club and the director, Mr Zakhem. We had a good relationship. I left in a respectful and professional manner."
Moloi's path back to Chiefs first went through Extension Gunners before a turn to GU and then back to the pride of Kgatleng.