BLOEMFONTEIN – The University of the Free State (UFS) has enlisted Mokete Reuben Tsotetsi as the men’s football head coach on a three-year deal. The hard-tackling central defender was unveiled yesterday – Tuesday, 5 August – ahead of the Varsity Football Cup, a premier tournament for South African universities.
Featuring eight universities, the competition will kick-off tomorrow – Thursday. 7 August.
The highlight of Tsotetsi’s coaching career is guiding Maccabi FC to gain their promotion to the national first division in 2018. His coaching career is coupled with the experience gained during his twilight era while playing for clubs that include the Jomo Cosmos, Kaizer Chiefs, and Bafana Bafana.
Jerry Laka, UFS KovsieSport director, said Tsotseti (40) was chosen as the ideal candidate to transform the men’s team into a formidable force while balancing the players’ academic performances.
“As the new head coach, Tsotetsi brings a wealth of experience, passion, and leadership to our football programme. We are excited for the future under his guidance,” said Laka. According to him, a three-year contract underscores the university’s ambition to becoming a major role player in football.
“This is the first time as the university we are having a head coach in the men’s football over a period of three years. I am very excited about this opportunity as it will afford the head coach the time to ensure that the football programme is run accordingly. I believe with his wealth of experience, both as a player and proven track record as a coach, and 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. He regards coaching at university level as a great experience to his sleeve.
“A three-year deal will enable me to adapt to university football, collaborate it with professional football as well as 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,” says Tsotetsi.
His achievement in leading Maccabi to gain promotion to the professional rank appears to have stood Tsotetsi in a good stead in the university. The term of the agreement is equivalent to coaches in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) – South Africa’s top-flight football division.
