Leemisa Thuseho
FORMER Sefotha-fotha coach Molebatsi Mothobi says it is his right to choose where he wants to work and he has decided to join Matlama FC.
This after Mothobi was on Monday announced as the new head coach for Mazenod outfit, Swallows FC.
Surprisingly, on Wednesday, former Econet Premier League (EPL) champions, Matlama, also announced him as their assistant coach.
Apparently, Mothobi had signed a one-year contract with Swallows on Monday before resigning on Tuesday to sign a two-year contract with Matlama.
Swallows vice president technical Mahlomola Moea confirmed to this publication that Mothobi had resigned.
Mothobi told the Sunday Express that there has been some confusion regarding his decision.
“There has been confusion… but if one does their math well and is realistic about life, then they must weigh things before making abrupt decisions,” Mothobi said.
“As for contracts and interviews, there shouldn’t be any confusion because at the end of the day, it’s what I decide to do (that matters) … I have the right to decide and I have finally decided to work for Matlama.”
He said he chose Matlama after the Sea Point side made a better offer.
“Yes, both teams were negotiating but in life you pick the bigger bird to take home.
“Swallows is a good team with great talent and no coach can refuse to work there. It is just that this time the other choice was Matlama, a bigger and better team.”
Mothobi said joining Matlama was a better move given that the team is more established.
“Working for Matlama is the best decision that I made… it is an opportunity that does not just come easily. I wasn’t even aware that a team like Matlama was eying me but it happened.
“There have been several teams in the course of the 2018/19 who were eager to work with me but I turned down their offers,” Mothobi said.
Joining Matlama will see Mothobi reuniting with his former players Thato Rantšo (former Sefotha-fotha midfielder) and Matlama’s newly signed midfielder Thabo Matšoele whom he coached at Sky Battalion FC.
Mothobi started his coaching career at Serutle United and he helped the team earn C Division promotion in the late 90s. In 2008/09 he coached Manamela Young Stars FC and he led the team from B Division to A Division.
In the 2015/16 season he was the assistant coach at Sky Battalion under Kananelo Moletsane before being promoted to head coach when Moletsane left. The following season, he was also appointed assistant coach to new coach Thabile Secker.
He joined Sefotha-fotha in the 2017/18 season to assist Tiisetso Molete and also worked under coach Bafokeng Mohapi in the 2018/19 season. Last season he was promoted to head coach at Sefotha-fotha before he resigned.