Extension Gunners continues to deny reports linking them with the charismatic Daniel ‘Chicco’ Nare for the position of head coach. The coaching position became vacant following the suspension of Pio Paul on allegations of misconduct last month. It is reported that Gunners’ executive committee decided to embark on Paul’s replacement after efforts to meet with him hit a snag. This situation was worsened by the fact that Paul is linked to coaching posts at Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United.
Sunday Standard has been reliably informed that Nare is expected to start work the coming week. “The deal could have long been finalised but the chairman (Kitso Dlamini) has been out of the country. Since he is back, I expect everything to be finalised in the next two days so that he starts training with the club on Tuesday (September 6). He is the kind of coach who understands the culture of this club and he once turned this club into a monster despite lack of resources at the time. The feeling here is that we need someone who will be able to restore our pride,” said a source on Friday morning.
When contacted for comment late Friday afternoon, Gunners’ chairman Kitso Dlamini said that no decision has been taken about the position of head coach. He said that since he has been out of the country, he will be meeting with his committee to discuss a number of issues including the vacant coaching post. Currently, Gunners are under the tutelage of Oupa Kowa on interim basis. Following last weekend’s 0 ÔÇô 1 loss to Police XI, sources revealed that it became evident that Kowa is not the right candidate for the job. Efforts to get a comment from Nare failed to materialise as he was said to be in Mafikeng. However, his personal friend confirmed that there have been talks and it is a matter of time before they agree on terms.
Below are some of the coaches who stand a chance of leading Mapantsula;
Kenneth Mogae
He was relieved of his coaching job at FC Satmos last week and it is reported that should Gunners’ management fail to agree on Nare, Mogae is a firm favourite to land the hottest seat at the club. Though he was fired by Satmos, some people believe he has what it takes to change the fortunes of Mapantsula around. “The other issue is that Mogae is a disciplinarian and he’ll be able to handle different players’ egos at Gunners. I still believe that he is a good coach despite the fact that Satmos fired him,” said a source close to Gunners. Mogae commands a lot of respect among his peers and has worked as the national team assistant coach for a long time. He was part of the Zebras’ squad at the 2012 African Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. He has also held coaching positions at Boteti Young Fighters and Nico United.
Thabo Motang
The name of the former Zebras’ goalkeeper has also been mentioned in the Peleng corridors. He is popular amongst Gunners’ faithful and has stayed at the club for a short period before leaving in May last year. “Mahala (Motang) has a lot of experience having worked with lots of coaches both at national and club level. At the time when he was left alone at Gunners, he made the club to play beautiful football. Though there are some officials who don’t like him here, he is adored by the majority of supporters,” said a source. Mahala, as he is popularly known in football circles is currently goalkeeper coach at Gaborone United. This publication has established that it will be difficult to lure Motang to Lobatse because he has a number of commitments in Gaborone.
