Did former Pirates coach reject Popa?

Daniel Chida
NOT YOU: Mokwena

Former Orlando Pirates Coach, Rulani Mokwena, who parted ways with Chippa United just before the Covid-19 enforced league break, has reportedly rejected an offer to take over at Township Rollers.

Although the Rollers Spokesperson, Phempheretlhe Pheto denied any knowledge of a proposed deal, various South African media houses listed Popa amongst the teams that the controversial young coach turned down.

“Black Leopards and AmaZulu are understood to be the two clubs in the Premier Soccer League to have asked Mokwena about his availability, while Botswana’s Township Rollers and Nkana FC in Zambia also enquired,” stated South African soccer media-house Soccerladuma.

Rumours of Rollers’ interest in Mokwena does not come as a shock as Mapalastina has been without a coach since partying ways with Frank Nuttall in May.

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However, it appears the highly-rated 33-year-old tactician preferred to play second fiddle at Mamelodi Sundowns rather than join the Botswana giants. This Wednesday, three years after his acrimonious exit, Mokwena confirmed he was rejoining the Brazilians as Assistant Coach.

Rollers is no strange to recruiting big names to the Premier League, bringing in the likes of veteran South African and Sundowns midfielder, Manqoba Shakes Ngwenya as well as Youtube sensation, Tsepo ‘Skhwama Sama Tariyana’ Matete.

Meanwhile, Botswana’s National Team export to South Africa, Mogakolodi Tsotso Ngele’s contract with PSL side Black Leopards has been extended after it came to an end on 30 June.

The 29-year-old’s agent, Basia Michaels confirmed to the SA media that Ngele’s contract has been extended by two months, with a view to securing a lengthier deal once the future of football becomes clearer.

Since joining the Limpopo-based outfit at the start of the season, the midfield mistro has clocked up 12 appearances, establishing himself as an integral part of the side.

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The highlight of Ngele’s stay so far was a wonder free-kick against Kaizer Chiefs, securing a 1-1 draw back in January.

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