Monday, November 4, 2024

GU set to announce new assistant coach

In their bid to strengthen their technical team ahead of the new season, Gaborone United (GU) are set to announce the name of their assistant coach this week.

Since arriving at GU at the beginning of the previous season, GU head coach, Major David Bright, has been without an assistant and he has been using goalkeeper trainer Mokwadi Charles as his right-hand man.

Reports coming out of GU camp indicate that Innocent Morapedi and Nelson Olebile are the front-runners for the job. The two are said to be highly rated by the former army major and he believes that one of them can add value to the team’s technical team. Morapedi has been the assistant coach at Chiefs for the past five years and has won three league titles. It is reported that his future at Magosi is uncertain as Chiefs are trying to overhaul the technical team. He has worked under reputable coaches like Beston Chambeshi, Wesley Mondo and Rahman Gumbo.

On the other hand, Olebile is seen as one of the promising coaches having worked at Extension Gunners under the likes of Daniel Nare, Maxwell Moyo and China Matlhaku. Those who have worked closely with him say that it is his ability to read the games which might have attracted the Reds to him.

“I think a decision has been taken that one of them be brought in. They’re very intelligent and what makes their appointment more fitting is that they’re very close to Bright. Both coaches have been approached and it remains to be seen who gets the nod,” said a source close to the developments.

When contacted for comment, Olebile claimed ignorance on the issue, saying he is focusing on getting his side to the First Division South next season. He is currently the head coach at Gaborone District Football side Barclays.

GU secretary, Hebert Lebetse, played his cards close to the chest when approached for comment. He did not want to deny or confirm the names of the front-runners for the job.

“All I can tell you is that the coach has given us the name of the man he wants to work with. At the present moment we’re negotiating with that person and we’re about to conclude our talks. What I can assure you is that by Monday (tomorrow) that person will be part of the team when we report for pre-season training,” said Letsebe. Meanwhile, GU has confirmed the signing of left-back Edwin Olerile from Township Rollers who has penned down a two-year deal. He joins the Reds to link up with other former Rollers’ players like Moemedi Moatlhaping, Tebogo Sembowa and Gaopatwe Seosenyeng.

“We’re delighted to bring on board such an exceptional player. I would like to thank Township Rollers for their professionalism in the transfer of the player. We’re not going to change much but I can tell you that we’re in need of a right-back, attacking midfielder. But we’ll be meeting with the coach to finalise everything,” said Letsebe.

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