Zapata wants Moloi in Kenya

Former Gaborone United (GU) Headcoach Rodolfo Zapata is ready to snatch a number of players from the ailing Money Machine. Experienced attacking midfielder Dirang Moloi is reported to be a top priority in the Argentine coach’s wish list. Zapata who dumped GU a few weeks back in favour of struggling Kenyan giants AFC Leopards. This week, the outspoken coach said he had affection for GU players because they respected him and executed his instructions well on the pitch.

Given the current financial difficulties facing GU, Zapata said he has already been contacted by some of his former players who are ready to terminate their contracts with the stricken Money Machine. Reports coming out of GU are that the whole squad wants to jump ship and team management was officially informed by the Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB) last week. This past weekend during GU’s BTC Premiership game against Police XI in Molepolole, only eight players turned up for the fixture. The match was called off in the first 20 minutes of the game when two GU’s players suffered injuries and the team remained with only six players. “We are still in talks, he is a good player with a lot of potential and I hope Leopards will manage to bring him on board. He is an asset,” Zapata said when addressing his interest in the midfield maestro.

Moloi is arguably one of the most talented players in Botswana and to thus far, he has enjoyed a cordial relationship with Zapata. Quizzed on his interest in the aging player, Zapata confidently said he understands Moloi better, adding that he is one of the best players Botswana has ever produced. In fact, Zapata believes that Moloi is overqualified for local football. The 33- year old Moloi has played for local teams such as Notwane, Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Township Rollers in the Botswana Premier League (BPL). Outside Botswana, Moloi has played for Vasco Da Gama in the South African Premier Soccer League in 2010 and later joined DR Congo side CS Don Bosco in 2013. In a brief interview, GU Managing Director Olebile Sikwane said Dirang can be released if he wishes to leave the team. However, he mentioned that other players were contract bound and certain procedures have to be followed. All efforts made to reach Moloi for comment proved futile.