When Gaborone United (GU) takes on lower division side, Molapong Green Birds, in a Coca-Cola Cup quarterfinal clash at the Molepolole Sports Complex this afternoon, all eyes will be on their hardworking midfielder Ofentse ‘Size 10′ Nato.
The lanky midfielder has been invited for four-day trials at newly-promoted South African Premier League side, University of Pretoria (AmaTuks).
The hard-working Zebras’ midfielder departs for the South African capital tonight and he is expected to join his GU teammates on Friday.
Nato, 22, is famously known for his 38th minute equalizer against Bafana Bafana during a World Cup qualifier played at UB Stadium on June 9. Before AmaTuks showed interest, it is alleged that the midfielder, who played for the Zebras at the 2012 African Nations Cup in January, was on the radar of Supersport United and Moroka Swallows.
“It is my dream to play in the South African Premier League because that’s where I believe I’ll grow as a player. I’m excited about going to AmaTuks and I’m going to do my best (to secure a contract) during my stay there,” said Nato.
The Ramotswa-born midfielder told Sunday Standard that despite being invited for trials, he is not going to put a below-par performance when they face Green Birds.
“There is likelihood that those guys (AmaTuks) will be watching our game so I’m going to be at my usual best. It will be stupid for me to think about AmaTuks before GU because that’s the club I’m currently contracted to,” he pointed out.
Nato added that their intention is to bring silverware to the club this season after they were eluded by the League Championship, which has gone to Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
“It will be suicidal for us to undermine Green Birds because they have proven that they can come to the party, especially after beating Nico United and Notwane. Mind you these are the clubs which give us problems in the Premier League. I’ve not seen them (Green Birds) playing but we’ll have to use our own experience to overcome them,” said Nato.
Since the inception of the Coca-Cola Cup over two decades ago, GU has never won the tournament.
Gaborone United secretary, Herbert Letsebe, confirmed that Nato is leaving tonight saying that they are excited that their midfielder’s talent has not gone unnoticed. The GU official added that the Pretoria-based outfit wanted to have the player for the whole week but it is not going to be possible due to his commitments here.
“We want him for our game next weekend (the second leg of Mascom Top 8 against Township Rollers) so we expect him here on Friday,” he said. Letsebe is optimistic that Nato will make the grade at AmaTuks and he assured the Reds’ family that if something comes up, they will be notified.
