Rodolfo Zapata returns to Botswana

Following several weeks of uncertainty over his return for the new season, Gaborone United's Argentine coach Rodolfo Zapata has finally resumed his duties, Gazette Sport can reveal.

Former South African Mpumalanga Black Aces FC and USA Olympic Development Program coach joined Gaborone United midway through last season, after sacking of Serbian Drago Stanojlovic.

However, the arrival of Zapata brought a new lease of life for the team, as he guided his troops to an impressive run of eight wins, one draw and two defeats in his 11 games in charge, finishing the league in fifth position.

Though as previously revealed by this publication that construction mogul Nicolas Zackhem's departure as an investor at the club had turned to a financial nightmare for the club, which led to the team failing to afford the coach's wages, a u-turn in events at the Gaborone side has since changed fortunes for the local giant.

A decision to lease out the team to Zackhem was taken at the club's Ordinary General Meeting which was held a fortnight ago in Palapye. The decision was said to have been prompted by the club's high wage bills, with the inclusion of those of the Argentina born gaffer. Despite the deal awaiting a few formalities, the coach has been cleared to return back to duty.

In a interview, coach Rolo Zapata told this publication that his return to GU was mainly to deliver the Premier League and Mascom Cup in the 2016/2017 season. "I'm back in Botswana to win everything", he said.

Zapata added that, "I strongly believe in my players. Through hard work, discipline, relentless drills and an inspired tactical game, that GU on last season thrived, we can achieve a lot this season".