FOOTBALL

The resurgence of Notwane FC, following a disappointing relegation experience from the Botswana Football League ( BFL) last season, does not come as a surprise, given the status of the man at the helm of the technical matters at the club.

Thaloba Nthaga has promoted five ( 5) clubs into the local top league and will be looking to plot another master move to lead Notwane back amongst the ‘ big boys’ of local football.

His exploits have not gone unnoticed and the national team head coach, Mogomotsi Mpote has recently called him to join the senior team as they prepare for a back to back encounter in the Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON) 2023 qualifiers. Nthaga comes in place of former Zebras hard- tackling midfielder, Michael Mogaladi who has been part of the technical team but could not join the team due to other personal commitments. “I am excited to have this opportunity, it’s everyone’s dream to be part of their national team support, Bra Tina has got my full support to help the team succeed,” Nthaga told BG Sport during the team’s training camp in Morocco. Nthaga was previously invited to join the national team junior sides but could not honour the invite due to work commitments. Notwane stunned Tlokweng United over the weekend despite having gone a man down early in the first half as defender, Mpho Ramatoroko received his marching orders for a dangerous tackle.

Kanyenga Kashiwa and Mosele Baruti were in charge of the team in the absence of Nthaga and goals from Zimbabwean internationals, Kudzani Machadzani and Remmington Masuku ensured that they emerged 2- 0 winners to remain a point behind leaders, Matebele FC.

Quizzed on whether his absence could affect the performance of the team, Nthaga shared that, “I trust the guys that I have left behind for the time I’ll not be there. I hope and pray that the team will get the job done. My experience with the national team will also go a long way to benefit the club when I return,” he said.

Mpote has hailed the qualities of Nthaga and said his inclusion into the team will add value to the side as they look to qualify for the 2023 AFCON finals. “He has been part of the national team structures at junior levels but due to work commitments he could not always be available. He needs to gain experience of managing a national team, one day he might be entrusted with the responsibility to lead at that level— continuity is key in football and he’s the one for the future and this is a perfect opportunity for him to learn,” Mpote responded. “He has been doing well at Notwane, that also played a part in selecting him,” the national team coach added. Nthaga currently holds a CAF B license and is currently pursuing his CAF/ BFA A license, the latter qualification will enable him to manage any national team in the continent. Mpote adds Nthaga to the technical team as part of the support from the BFA to bolster the department and give the coach all the necessary ammunition to compete against other African footballing giants. “We intend to have him with us until the end of the qualifiers but that is also down to him, it depends on how hard he works, how he integrates with the group and the value he brings to the team— I have full confidence in his abilities, he is in a good space and he will give us a lot,” Mpote shared. The former Orapa United gaffer who also has guided the Zebras to the finals of the COSAFA Cup challenge in 2019 has made his intensions clear that his target is to collect four ( 4) points against Equatorial Guinea. The local football governing mother- body has given Mpote the mandate to qualify for the 2025 AFCON finals. With Botswana and Namibia showing strong intentions to host the 2027 AFCON finals, Mpote who guided Orapa United to the Mascom Top 8 and Orange FA cup glory, believes the team needs to be more competitive as early as now. Botswana occupies bottom spot in group J after a round of two games, following a defeat away to Libya and a draw against Tunisia.