Mangwiro enjoying purple patch in Botswana’s top l...

Mangwiro enjoying purple patch in Botswana’s top league

Zim Now Writer

Former Harare City and assistant Warriors coach Taurai Mangwiro, is doing well at Botswana premiership club, Orapa United FC, which he joined at the beginning of 2023.

The Zimbabwean, whose coaching career spans over 16 years, including a successful stint at Triangle FC, left the country following Harare Ciy’s relegation from the local Premier Soccer League.

Orapa United, known as the Ostriches, edged seventh-placed Masitaoka FC 3-4 at Royal Aria Stadium on Saturday after a penalty shootout in the semi-finals after playing to a goalless draw, to storm into the Orange FA Cup finals.

The Orapa-based side will face the cup holders Gaborone United who dismissed Township Rollers one-nil at the National Stadium on Monday following a solitary goal by a 29-year-old defender, Mpho Rudolph Kgaswane.

The former Rujeko Primary School teacher, who is on a two-year contract, lauded his charges and said he is confident that they are going to lift the cup.

“Although the boys were shaky in defence and missed chances, they later gained composure. We failed to break the deadlock in regulation time, but we are happy we finally managed to overcome our opponents,” said Mangwiro.

The former Harare City coach becomes the latest Zimbabwean coach to work in the Botswana top flight after the likes of Mandla Mpofu, Max Moyo, Luke Masomere, Willard Khumalo, Barry Daka, Raphael Phiri, Paul Moyo, Madinda Ndlovu, Rahman Gumbo, Shepherd Murape, Clever Hunda, Ezekiel Mpofu, Roy Barreto, and Bongani Mafu.

However, only former Warriors and Highlanders coach Rahman Gumbo, who is currently coaching Morupule Wanderers, and Masitaoka FC’s Mpofu, are still in the Botswana league.