Gaborone United (GU) plans to win more silverware in the coming season following their success in the Coca-Cola Cup last weekend.
After bringing in a number of quality players at the beginning of last season, the Reds were tipped as favourites to win the championship but they disappointed before settling for fourth spot. This left their hordes of supporters with sour taste in the mouth, with some pointing accusing fingers at the management.
But lifting the Coke Cup last weekend has brought renewed confidence to the supporters who have waited for 21-years to lay their hands on the country’s FA Cup.
GU secretary Herbert Letsebe said that they have put away what transpired last season and they’re focusing on the future. He said that the employment of head coach, Major David Bright, on a three-year contract shows that they want to start the season on a high note.
“Our plan last season was disturbed by the coach (Zimbabwean Elvis Chiweshe) we brought as he wanted two years to build a competitive side. He was not what we wanted but bringing Bright on board has brought confidence that we can compete for all trophies available. Honestly, there is no reason we cannot win more silverware next season,” said Letsebe.
He pointed out that after winning the Coke Cup, interim coach Philemon Makwengwe handed the team to Bright.
He praised Makwengwe for the job well done saying that if they did not take an unpopular decision to bring him to save their ship, GU would have finished the season outside top four.
“Bright knows local players and he has already recommended to the management the positions that need to be beefed up. He watched the team playing before the end of the season and we’ve no doubt that he’ll give us the results,” said the GU secretary.
He said that in the squad they have now, they will only add four players as recommended by their gaffer. He said there is need to have continuity in the team and they are not going to make wholesale changes like they did in the past.
Though he did not want to reveal the players they are targeting, Sunday Standard has been informed that midfielder Jackie Mothatego (Uniao Flamengo Santos) and striker Tebogo Sembowa (Township Rollers) have joined the Reds’ stable.
The duo have penned a three-year contract with GU as they were free agents. They have worked with Bright before at the national Under-23 and there is no doubt that he is a great admirer.
According to sources close to GU camp, ECCO City Greens’ defender Keabetswe Jenamiso is another player targeted by the Reds.
“I can’t reveal the names of the players we’re targeting until everything has been finalized. The coach has recommended that we have 26 players for next season and we’re expecting him to give us the list of those who are not in his plans,” said Letsebe.
He dismissed reports that they are targeting clubless striker Jerome Ramatlhakwana and winger Phenyo Mongala.
GU’s efforts to land defensive midfielder Boitumelo Mafoko hit a snag as he has already agreed terms with rivals Township Rollers.
GU return to training on August 20 to prepare for next season.
