Chronicle Editor
Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter
FOLLOWING his charges’ five-star performance in the ongoing Botswana Premier Soccer League, Orapa United vice-chairman responsible for the technical bench, Themba Mmui, has showered praises to Zimbabwean coach, Taurai Mangwiro.
Last weekend, Mangwiro, a former Harare City and Caps United gaffer was the brains behind Orapa United’s 4-2 triumph over defending champions Gaborone United at the Botswana National Stadium.
It was Gaborone United’s first defeat of the season which brought their 28-match unbeaten run to an end.
The Botswana champions’ last league defeat was on February 19, 2022 when they went down 1-0 away against Township Rollers.
Before their defeat to Mangwiro’s side, Gaborone United had registered 11 wins and five draws in their 2022/23 season.
In an interview from his base in neighbouring Botswana Mmui said: “Coach Mangwiro has brought a spirit of competition in the team.
He has successfully blended experience with youth. He has brought multiple tactical approaches to our games.”
He also said Mangwiro is exhaustive in his match day planning.
“He is thorough in his preparations. Him and his assistants complement each other very well. The team as a whole is united. He (Mangwiro) is a professional in his planning and regular match reports. We are confident that he will build a formidable side that will compete well in the league and cup competitions,” said Mmui.
Mangwiro joined Orapa United in November last year and his team is on third position on the log after posting 12 wins, two draws and conceding three defeats from 17 outings. It has collected 38 points from a possible 51 which translates to 75 percent success rate.
Orapa United are tied on 38 points with Gaborone United who are on second position and are five points adrift from pacesetters Jwaneng Galaxy, an outfit that provides home to ex Highlanders duo of Nqobizitha Masuku and Daniel Msendami.
Mangwiro’s charges have found the back of the net 39 times, conceded 15 to give them an impressive +24 goal difference.
In their last five games their Form Guide reads: W D D W W meaning Orapa have managed to amass 11 points from possible 15 to give them a remarkable 73 percent success rate.
On Saturday Orapa United take on Township Rollers in their Week 18 away fixture. – @FungaiMuderere
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