Ngele opts for Dinare FC challenge
Star exodus from Township Rollers continues to make headlines.
Attesting to the adage, ‘another man’s loss is another man’s gain’, National First Division South outfit, Dinare FC are latest beneficiary of Rollers’ rebuilding exercise.
Formerly known as Magosi FC, Dinare FC confirmed the acquisition of former Mamelodi Sundowns and Township Rollers mercurial attacker, Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele on a two year deal.
The club executives of the Ramotswa based side, which is owned by former Township Rollers president, Jimmy Haskins Kereng, have been in contact with the talented 34 year old playmaker in recent weeks and managed to convince him about their project.
In the just ended season, Ngele was cut a frustrated figure at Rollers with the club enduring a difficult financial period leading to players not getting their monthly payments on time.
While other clubs, amongst them, Jwaneng Galaxy and Gaborone United have shown strong interest to sign the talented Ngele, his move to National First Division South league has surprised many.
After signing the deal, Ngele told Sun Sport that Dinare FC project interested him as he sees it as an ‘interesting opportunity’ for him to explore a new challenge and to help the club achieve its goals.
“It’s true, I signed a two year deal with the club. I am happy and more than anything I believe I am ready to help them get promotion to the Premier League next season. They have a very good structure, good players and I hope my experience will help the club to achieve its goals. For me, it’s an appealing project. The president played crucial role to convince to sign, he is ambitious, committed and respectful, all these principles aligns well with my interest in football,” he said.
The Zebras head coach, Morena Ramoreboli previously expressed his admiration of the veteran attacker who was part of The Zebras’ maiden appearance at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
Quizzed on whether he considered possibilities of missing out on playing at the AFCON finals for the 2nd time, Ngele revealed that he remains open to being part of the Zebras squad despite playing in the national first division.
“It is up to the coach, he will decide. I haven’t spoken to the coach yet, so we will see, for now I can’t say much. I am also an advocate for young players to be given a chance to showcase their talents; it’s something I have been doing, even at Rollers, so I am not really bothered about going down to play in the lower league or not being part of the senior team. Representing my country is always a special moment of pride, if I am needed I will be available,” he said.
On his departure from Mapalastina, the former league champion with South Africa’s Sundowns and Bidvest University expressed his gratitude to have don the colours of Botswana’s most successful club. “I enjoyed my stay Rollers, have many good memories there which I will cherish for life and I certainly will miss the fans, they have amazing throughout my career and wish them well in the new season,” he added.
Dinare FC were reportedly in negotiations with FNB Premiership outfit VTM FC, over a possibility of swapping statuses, however an agreement could not be reached as VTM FC rekindled their interest to remain in the top tier league. Close reports are that the Ramotswa based side, Dinare FCs, are currently not exploring the opportunity to purchase a status despite attracting top talents.