Gaborone United (GU) coach, Letang ‘Rasta’ Kgengwenyane, has come under fire from some quarters for allegedly frustrating some senior players at the club.
The players, who are said not to be Kgwengwenyane’s favourites, include, amongst others, former captain, Kabo ‘Branco’ Molokwane, left-back Boitumelo ‘Bashien’ Modisaotsile, Kenny ‘Shoes’ Ledikwe and goalkeeper Kgosietsile ‘Pinpole’ Senjoba.
Before Kgengwenyane took over this season, all except Modisaotsile were regular figures in the Reds’ line-up. This is said to be frustrating the players more so that there is no communication from the technical team as to why they are not playing.
“It is disappointing to come for training everyday knowing that you’re not going to play. The other players have been given a chance but some of us we’ve been left in the dark,” said one of the players who preferred not to be named.
When contacted for comment on Friday morning, Kgwengwenyane dismissed the reports saying that he chooses his players based on performance in training.
“Branco was on the bench when we played Black Peril (last weekend). As for Bashien, he has not played because of poor form because even before I arrived at GU, he was not playing. Mind you he (Bashien) is competing for the same position with Branco and (Kaelo) Kgaswane who has been doing well. You’ve to know he (Kgaswane) is also part of the national team,” said Kgengwenyane.
He further explained that Senjoba has been given a chance in some games this season and, like any other player, Senjoba faces tough competition from the other goalkeepers.
GU has in their books former junior international, Reuben Thakadu, and Gontswe Tlhowe. Since the January transfer window, Thakadu, who was brought in from Black Peril, has been enjoying more game time. He was recommended by Kgwengwenyane as he coached him at Mogoditshane Fighters before.
In the games where Senjoba was given the nod, he has been very erratic and that, at times, cost the Reds goals. According to the soft-spoken tactician, Ledikwe has been sidelined because of an injury.
“I regularly talk to the players who are not featuring in the team to know where they can improve. As far as I know, all the players understand their situation at the club,” continued the tactician.
The future of Kgengwenyane at the Reds hangs in the balance as there are reports that he may not continue as the head coach. Some of the reasons given are that of his work commitments at Botswana Defence Force (BDF). When BDF released him to GU, it was stated in his letter that he may be recalled whenever the army wants.
Early this year, the Reds were nearly caught off guard when BDF nearly sent Kgengwenyane to a training course without the knowledge of GU. The Reds management had to reach a late compromise with Kgengwenyane’s employers and it was agreed that he would attend the course later this year.
GU spokesperson, Romeo Benjamin, seemed surprised when contacted. “There’s nothing like that because I’ve not heard any player complaining. When a player says he’s being sabotaged by the coach, it’s like at home when you say your mother is ignoring you.”
