‘Gora has nine lives’

Curtworth Masango

Gaborone United defender Tatenda ‘Mashanana’ Gora is set to extend his stay at the club with another two-year deal now on the table. Initially, he joined the club on a six-month deal from GreenFuel in February.

Coach Ponshto Moloi has hailed Gora earned for his illustrious work in his first stint with the club.

He has become a darling of the fans, who feel he filled the shoes of Namibian international defender Kennedy Amutenya.

Gaborone United are a powerhouse in Botswana football with seven titles.

This season they are focusing on earning themselves a slot in the African Safari after slightly missing last season when they finished third in the league.

Moloi believes Gora has adapted well at the club and shown versatility that will see him deployed in different positions during the league.

“Gora has shown a great positive attitude since joining the club. He has shown a great level of adaptation. He has also shown great leadership on and off the field which sums up his character as a professional,” said Moloi.

“This other time I joked with him that he is like a cat with many lives. He can play in different positions so well.

“He can be deployed in different positions as a centre half, right back, central defensive midfield and, as a box-to-box midfielder. So as a team, we are lucky to have a guy like him in our ranks.

“Going into the season ahead, he will be deployed in many positions and quite sure that he will excel,” said Moloi.

Gora said he is geared up to help his side win the championship and make himself a candidate for the Warriors. He has already featured for the club in several preseason fixtures including a tie against SuperSport United.

“I am well prepared for the new season and the pre-season has been going well. The idea is to continue working hard and shine beyond doubt.

“I have already played as a defender and as a holding midfielder and bracing myself for anything that comes up.

“Last season we finished third and I want to help the team achieve better this season. We hope that we can win the league title at the end of the season.

“Like any other player, I hope to also represent my country and I am working hard so that if such an opportunity arises I will be ready.”