However, Gaborone United’s (GU) Innocent Morapedi is a man on a mission to secure a place amongst an elite list.
The tactician has been appointed as the GU ladies team’s head coach following his ‘demotion’ from the men’s senior team. Morapedi was the men’s head coach in the previous season where he led the team to an almost perfect league championship triumph.
Under his tutelage, the Reds lost just twice, won 22 times and played to draws on six occasions. Morapedi ended a 13-year league drought whilst winning his first league title in a coaching career spanning two decades. Due to Morapedi's lack of CAF A coaching licence, he could not handle the men's team as it ventured into CAF club competitions at the start of the season.
He has now been tasked with landing glory with the women's side. In the previous season, the GU ladies team gained promotion to the Gaborone City Region Football League from the second tier.
The ladies were impressive in their journey to promotion and were miles apart from their opponents. The team finished the campaign unbeaten and only dropped points just twice in draws.
They scored 76 goals in just 12 games while conceding just five times. The team is, however, not amongst the ‘big team’ class in the women football circles however, new coach, Morapedi has been presented with the entire arsenal ahead of the scheduled league start on February 4. The team is not short of ambition, just like their male counterparts.
Last weekend, GU announced the signing of Mares’ attacker, Keitumetse ‘Ben-10’ Dithebe from Kweneng Region League side, Mexican Girls. The player is probably the biggest catch this transfer window having fielded offers from Europe, South America and Africa but opted for Moyagoleele. She was one of the outstanding players at 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) that was held in Morocco and the Reds have sent a resounding statement with her capture.
The Reds have also penned a two-year deal with 31-times capped Mares’ defender, Lone Gaofetoge from Zambia’s Elite Ladies. Former Under-20 full back UB Kicks’ captain, Thapelo Moshe has also joined on two and half year deal while another Mares’ midfielder, Annah Sechane has been recruited from Township Rollers also on a two-and-half-year deal.
Full back, Goitsemang Tlamma has returned to the club after four years from BDF XI while Big Sisters’ 22-year-old defender, Bathusi Odisitse joins on a two-and-half-year contract.
The long list of new recruits at the Reds camp also include, Mares’ midfielder, Golebaone Selebatso acquired from Prisons XI. The new signings add to some talents in the team including last season top scorer, Kelebogile Magaga, goalkeeper, Tlamelo Pheresi and Phatsimo Bose. The DTCB Top 8 Championships will be top of the Reds wish list while they will also have an eye on the CAF Women’s’ Champions League football.
