FIFA man courts Botswana players

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Wednesday February 27, 2008 00:00

 

Those who catch his eye are likely to cut their professional teeth in the South African Premier League.

Makaab is the managing director of Durban-based Prosport International in South Africa. He is in Botswana at the invitation of Mochudi Centre Chiefs' director Mclean Letshwiti. Makaab was among thousands of supporters who watched the big Mascom Premier League clash between log leaders Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers at the National Stadium yesterday.

'I came here at the invitation of Mclean (Letshwiti). I have a long standing relationship with him and with the current run by Chiefs, there has been an interest from South African clubs,' he pointed out. Makaab told Mmegi Sport that Letshwiti has ambitions of taking the Kgatleng giants to another level and that is why he invited him.

'His (Letshwiti)'s business is not football and he wanted to involve somebody who is experienced. He has confidence in me as both a manager and former coach,' said Makaab, who once coached former African club champions Orlando Pirates of South Africa.

After watching Chiefs in training on Monday evening, he was quick to shower the log leaders with praises. He said there is a lot of potential at Chiefs considering the conditions they are playing under.

'Though I am here with an open mind, I came to watch JJ (Jerome Ramatlhakwana) who I am told is a good striker. I was also impressed by the Chiefs' number eight (Oteng Moalosi), his ability in the midfield is good,' said the Prosport boss. He told Mmegi Sport that part of the reason he accepted the invitation to Botswana is to check on the progress of local football. 'The last time I was here was eight years ago and wanted to check the progress. I must be honest that when I was here, I was not impressed by what I saw. Now with the performances of your Under-23 and senior national team, there has been a lot of progress,' he said.

He added that the performances of Botswana internationals Dipsy Selolwane and Mogogi Gabonamong for South African clubs have made people to take notice of Botswana football. 'Dipsy is a good player and has come out of age. I believe that you have players who can break into professional ranks but you have to make your football professional. You cannot expect to compete against the big guns in African football when your football is not professional,' he asserted.

Makaab said that he would like to visit Botswana frequently. 'I would like to deal with honest people because this game needs people who are serious,' he said.