Mpote’s chance to revive Zebras

This time a decade ago, the Zebras had started a downward spiral after reaching dizzying heights under Stanley Tshosane, the first and only coach to take the team to the Africa Cup of Nations finals. This week, another local, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote was

In the last decade, it has been a case of trial and error as the wilting darling of the nation loses shine right in front of adoring but tortured fans. A man who has enjoyed success with Orapa United, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote has been identified as the journeyman to effect the repair works on a sputtering machine.

The critical components of those sunshine days, the likes of Diphetogo ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane, Phenyo Mongala, Mogogi ‘Gino’ Gabonamong, Jerome ‘JJ’ Ramatlhakwana, Mompati ‘Apache’ Thuma and all the foot soldiers who brought unrivalled joy have long left the stage.

Several attempts to rebuild the Zebras brand have been underwhelming, bar one period in 2015 when Peter Butler turned the then new Francistown Stadium into a fortress, slaying giants Mali and Burkina Faso in quick succession.

But the story folded similarly as the team failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, despite reaching the final of the COSAFA Cup in 2016. Butler, who was Stanley Tshosane’s successor, departed in 2017 as the ‘trademark’ Zebras performances started to kick in. In came tried and trusted David Bright who, however, struggled to bring back the shine.

The late Bright was shown the door in February 2019, with the Zebras having plummeted to number 149 on the FIFA rankings.

The BFA then took the well-trodden path, scouring the overseas markets for a replacement and fished out highly rated Adel Amrouche. The Algerian-born Belgian became the Zebras’ most expensive handyman as he commanded a reported P200,000 salary. However, his stay was marred by

COVID-19 and a lack of action on the pitch.

When he was relieved of his duties last year in

June, Amrouche only had one win to his name in seven official matches. With the BFA broke and unable to turn to the expensive international market, Letang ‘Rasta’ Kgengwenyane was thrust into the seat on an interim basis. But after a lukewarm COSAFA Cup last year, the BFA shifted its eyes to Orapa United mentor, Mpote.

The soft-spoken Mpote has been holding the fort for more than a year, patiently biding his time. On Tuesday, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) finally appointed Mpote on a three-year deal which, unlike other contracts, has clear deliverables.

The four main targets laid out for Mpote are that he should win the COSAFA Cup, qualify for the African Nations Championships (CHAN), as well as the AFCON finals. With the recent languid performances, it is a difficult task for Mpote, although he would be hard-pressed to assemble a competitive squad as he has had ample time with the lads.

During his time as interim coach, Mpote went out of the COSAFA Cup in the quarterfinals and is still to win a match in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers where the Zebras face an uphill task to qualify. Tunisia, Libya, and Equatorial Guinea are the opponents.

Mpote failed to move past Madagascar in the final round of the CHAN qualifiers. However, he reached the final of the COSAFA Cup final in 2019, becoming only the second coach, after Butler to do so. Now the challenge has been laid bare as outlined by BFA CEO, Mfolo Mfolo on Tuesday.

The targets have a weighting, with winning the COSAFA Cup carrying 20%, which is the same mark for making it to the CHAN finals. If he becomes the second coach to take the Zebras to the AFCON finals in 2025, Mpote will gain 40% of the marks. The weightings are all geared towards assisting the BFA to decide at the end of Mpote’s three-year deal as the contract has the option to renew.

Mpote has begun his rule as full-time Zebras coach by making a rare call-up to Swedish based midfielder, Ethany Mahoto, who started yesterday’s international friendly match against Angola on the

bench.