Since Uniao Flamengo Desportos merged with Gabane Santos almost 10 years ago, Mogopodi was one of the coaches who were in the system. He was tasked with developing youngsters at feeder side Desportos before he joined the senior side Santos at a later stage. He has become more of founder Matshidiso ‘Sexton’ Kowa’s right-hand man.
Some people within the football circles even said that because of their close relationship, Mogopodi has developed the same characters as his teacher.
Despite the problems that Santos have faced over the years and even coming close to relegations on so many occasions, Mogopodi has remained committed to the cause. Coaches have come and gone at Santos, ‘Bra George’ as he is popularly known, remained the main man at Santos. Some people even thought he was the main reason coaches did not spend much time at the club.
He has worked with a number of foreign coaches like Clever Hunda, Raphael Phiri and Gideon Ntini but all left citing different reasons. In the previous season when Santos were not achieving desired results, some of Santos supporters called for Mogopodi’s head but the management were not moved as they believed that he understands the philosophy of the club.
He has on many a time saved the youthful side from the dreaded axe including in the past season. But even in these challenging times there were signs that Mogopodi could be heading for the exit door. Even GU kept their negotiations over the past 12 months a closely guarded secret.
As he ventures into a new environment, Mogopodi pointed out that he does not have any regrets for the time he has spent at Santos. Instead, he sings praise songs about the founder, Sexton Kowa, for making him the coach he is today.
“This was a difficult decision to take having been part of Santos from the day it merged with Flamengo Desportos. I’ve become familiar with the environment at the club but I must say that I’m grateful to all those who have contributed to my growth as a coach. Santos will always remain close to my heart because that is where I learnt my trade,” said an emotional Mogopodi on Friday morning.
‘Bra George’ added that GU have long approached him but at the time he felt that he still had an unfinished business with the youthful brigade. He said that he gave GU’s approach a long thought but in the end he decided that it was time to move on.
“I didn’t wake up in the morning and decided to join GU. I saw a move to GU as a chance to grow (as a coach). At times when you stay in one place for a longer period, you relax and you never know your potential,” said Mogopodi.
He was quick to dismiss the talk that moving to GU to be an assistant coach is more like a demotion. He said that working with Bright would help him grow as an individual moreso that he understands his boss’ philosophy.
“I take that I won’t find it difficult to work with him. We share the same ideas which make it more interesting,” he said.
GU secretary, Hebert Letsebe, said that they are excited to have someone like Mogopodi in their team. He said that when they went for an assistant, they wanted someone with a strong character.
“He is still young and I think he is going to add a lot of value to the club. He has proven at Santos that he is a good coach despite working on a limited budget. He has given a lot of clubs a hard time with the inexperienced squad he had,” said Letsebe.
The GU official added that with Bright being a reputable coach, there is a likelihood that foreign clubs might come knocking at any time.
“If he (Bright) gets a better offer from somewhere, we won’t have to look any further because Mogopodi will be available. The most important thing is that it is Bright who recommended him so I want to believe that they will give us results we need,” Letsebe said.
Meanwhile, GU are still in search of few players to bolster their squad for the coming season. With Edwin Olerile having joined the Reds from bitter rivals Township Rollers, the Reds are targeting BDF XI defensive midfielder Kabo Rasuping. Sources close to the talks indicate that both parties are at an advanced stage regarding the move.
