Mpote’s chance to revive Zebras

In the last decade, it has been a case of trial and error as the wilting darling of the nation loses shine right in front of adoring but tortured fans.

A man who has enjoyed success with Orapa United, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote has been identified as the journeyman to effect the repair works on a sputtering machine. The critical components of those sunshine days, the likes of Diphetogo ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane, Phenyo Mongala, Mogogi ‘Gino’ Gabonamong, Jerome ‘JJ’ Ramatlhakwana, Mompati ‘Apache’ Thuma and all the foot soldiers who brought unrivalled joy have long left the stage. Several attempts to rebuild the Zebras brand have been underwhelming, bar one period in 2015 when Peter Butler turned the then new Francistown Stadium into a fortress, slaying giants Mali and Burkina Faso in quick succession.