BLOEMFONTEIN: The University of the Free State’s (UFS) men’s football side has begun a new chapter after enlisting the services of Mokete Reuben Tsotetsi as head coach, on a three-year deal.
The hard-tackling central defender, who holds a coaching qualification offered by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was unveiled on 5 August, alongside two technical team members: the vastly experienced Teboho “Double” Moeti as assistant coach and Donald Nkopane as goalkeeper coach.
Tsotetsi’s main task is to take on the challenge of winning the Varsity Football Cup, a premier competition featuring eight of South Africa’s university teams.
He started off his tenure positively, having his team securing a point in an away game against the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Tuks in a match played on Thursday, 7 August.
The Kovsie men welcome the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in a second match, this Thursday. Kick-off is at 18:30.
Jerry Laka, UFS KovsieSport director, said the university decided on Tsotetsi out of 32 applicants.
The duration of his contract is equivalent to that of coaches in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“Tsotetsi emerged as the favourite of the four shortlisted finalists we interviewed, and he accepted the position.
“We have moved away from one-year agreements. With a longer term, the coach will have a clear plan to work towards.
“We will re-evaluate his performance at the end of the contract,” Laka explained.
Tsotetsi’s assignment is to transform the men’s team into a formidable force, while balancing the players’ academic performance.
“Our vision is to holistically develop students playing football, to be successful academically and in the sport itself,” said Laka.
“Though not all will make it into professional football, the chief idea is to offer them the platform to achieve the dream of playing at professional level.”
Laka has expressed great optimism about the prospects of experiencing success in this new chapter of Kovsie football.
“Tsotetsi brings a wealth of experience, passion, and leadership to our football programme. We are excited for the future under his guidance.”
Tsotetsi played for Jomo Cosmos, Kaizer Chiefs, Bafana Bafana and the now defunct Bloemfontein Celtic.
“I believe with his wealth of experience as a player and coach and his proven track record, as well as a penchant for developing strong footballers both on and off the field, coach Tsotetsi embodies the values and spirit of care of our university, and excellence,” said Laka.
Tsotetsi has expressed great appreciation in getting an opportunity to coach at university level and improve the game of football.
“A three-year deal will enable me to adapt to university football, integrating it with professional football and the academic pursuits of the players. I believe this will be challenging and exciting at the same time, having to ensure a balance between the players’ academic performance and performance in the sport,” said Tsotetsi.
His achievement in leading Maccabi FC to gaining promotion to the professional rank in 2018 has arguably stood Tsotetsi in a good stead to secure the deal as the Kovsie men’s football head coach.
