I'm still on the market—Mpote
Chakalisa Dube | Saturday November 11, 2023 06:00
Mpote was dismissed from his role as Zebras coach last week, with authorities at Lekidi Centre citing poor performances by the national team. His departure from the national team coincided with the sacking of Wanderers coach, Rahman Gumbo. Gumbo was dismissed following a string of unconvincing results. This week, it was widely speculated that Mpote was closer to inking a deal with Morupule. Reports suggest that Mpote is expected to take over the coaching duties at the club after the international break. But yesterday, Mpote said he has never been approached by any club since he was sacked by the Botswana Football Association (BFA). “Contrary to speculation, I have not spoken to anyone from Morupule. No club has approached me about a coaching or technical role. Even the people who are said to be my preferred assistants (at Morupule) are not the people I know that much. I am still available to teams that want me,” Mpote told MmegiSport.
This week Morupule appointed Agang Mogotsi as interim head coach following Gumbo’s departure. The club said Mogotsi’s performance will determine if the club should expedite the search for a substantive coach or not. But there is mounting talk that he is holding the fort for Mpote. Mogotsi, whose role is to oversee the development structures of the club, was also appointed interim coach following the sacking of Daniel Nare early this year. He did relatively well before paving the way for Gumbo. Mpote also shrugged off suggestions that he might not be affordable to most local clubs given his credentials. “I am a quality coach with a good track record and can guarantee any team that will hire me results. I, however, understand that our football does not have money. I am available to any club that is willing to give me a reasonable offer. I am even prepared to coach in lower divisions provided I am given a fair offer.” There are also reports that Mpote’s salary at the national team hovered around P100, 000, something that many believe might scare off potential suitors, but the highly esteemed coach denies assumptions about his salary. “I earned way less than the speculated amount. I do not know where the people get the figures,” he said.