Mpatane was elevated to the role on an interim basis on Sunday following the departure of Enosi Mmesi. This will not be the biggest challenge for the youngest tactician in the elite league, as he has already honed his skills with Eleven Angels, a club he has total ownership of. The 31-year-old began his role at Chiefs on Tuesday in a high-profile clash against Gaborone United (GU). It was not the best start to Mpatane's Chiefs reign as his side went down 3-2 in the thriller. However, there are positives to be taken from the clash as his side had let the lead slip twice until GU eventually got the winner just after the half-hour mark. Mpatane only had a day to prepare for the GU clash.
He said he is aware of the dynamics that come with Chiefs' hot seat as the club commands one of the largest support bases in the country. Mpatane cited the club's rich history and said the head coach role is a massive responsibility on his shoulders. "It is a responsibility that I understand, a responsibility that I took and I cannot run away from. It is part of growth, you know. When will we grow if we do not take these kinds of opportunities? I am very thankful to the (club) president for trusting me and the boys, we will carry the brand forward," said Mpatane this week.
The midweek defeat is the second consecutive following the weekend's 2-1 loss away to VTM FC, and it is the team's third in this campaign. After 10 games, Magosi sit sixth on the log standings and five points behind the leaders, TAFIC. They are joint highest scoring team in the league and second least goals conceded. Mpatane will learn his fate in January if he would assume the role on a permanent basis as he is yet to discuss the terms with the club's top brass. "We have not really sat down, there was no time. I am in the interim and the (club) president will see when we go forward. We want to finish the December games before we go to the Christmas break and then we will talk about other things when we come back," said Mpatane.
