Following a lackluster performance by Zebras gaffer Adel Amrouche since he took over as the Zebras mentor two years ago, the Belgian tactician is alleged to be on the verge of packing his bags.
News reaching Sunday Standard indicates that the Botswana Football Association (BFA) top brass is allegedly beginning the process of searching for a new coach, preferably locals.
It has been alleged that some of the names amongst the local heavyweights includes Orapa United coach Mogomotsi Mpote, former BDF XI Lesika Keatlholetswe and tactician Daniel Nare.
With allegations rife, it is said that the BFA is likely to prefer a technical team of reputable local coaches with qualifications and history of winning trophies.
A source said despite the talk at infant stage, the changes may effect just ahead of the COSAFA championships expected to be held in July 2021.
“The current coach stands no chance for contract renewal as things stand. The BFA top brass seems unhappy with his tactics. Despite lack of football in the country for some time, they believe the tactics in the last two matches of the Afcon qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Algeria were uncalled for.
While it is still early, there is talk that the team needs to be guided by a technical team made up of some of the best local coaches that understand local players. Some of the coaches include Mpote, Nare and Keatlholetswe,” a source told Sunday Standard.
The trio has international experience with Mpote once taking the national team to the finals of the COSAFA tournament while Nare was once deployed the under 23 national team and Keatlholetswe boasts over 35 years of coaching experience.
Throughout his coaching career, Mpote worked with the likes of Mark Harisson and Nikola Kavazovic as assistant coach at Township Rollers. Amongst his achievements, the Orapa United gaffer lifted the 2016/17 league championship with Rollers and boasts a Mascom top 8 trophy with Orapa United. Some of the clubs Mpote worked with includes the likes of Miscellaneous, Tasc and Br Highlanders.
Keatlholetswe remains the most experienced coach with 39 years of experience in the coaching fraternity.
The former BDF XI gaffer played an instrumental part in the launch of ‘Re Ba Bona Ha’ football youth program that unearthed talent a few years ago.
Regarded the first local coach to win the local football major league in 1988 with BDF XI, Keatlholetswe’s last job was with Jwaneng Galaxy and was relieved his duties early this year.
NARE, the former under 23 coach proved his mettle last season in the reigns of Security Systems fighting for accolades of the league championship against local giants. Nare’s coaching career includes coaching the likes of Extension Gunners, BMC FC, Orapa United and Gilport Lions.
However, BFA acting chief executive officer (CEO) Thabiso Kebotsamang dismissed any regard of the national team changes saying the technical committee is yet to meet. ‘’There is not truth in the allegations as the technical committee is yet to meet. The terms of renewal or any changes will be communicated when the right time arrives,’’ said Kebotsamang.
