Africa-Press – Botswana. Former Zebras coach Stanley Tshosane who passed on Friday will be laid to rest in Tati Siding on Saturday.
Speaking at a press conference today, family spokesperson Lameck Takobana said the coach had a short illness. He said during his last days, he could not cope and was taken to the hospital, where he later succumbed to the illness.
He said that the family would leave Gaborone on Wednesday for Tati Siding, adding that they were aware that Tshosane was a “people person”, hence they found it imperative to host a memorial service at the National Stadium tomorrow for people to fully celebrate his life.
Botswana Football Association, (BFA) president Tariq Babitsemg said Tshosane was a trailblazer. He said the coach was not only a hero to BFA but also to Batswana in general, given that he guided the Zebras to qualify for the AFCON for the first time in history. He said Stan was not only a coach but a father figure, who worked with Botswana Defence Force and other stakeholders.
Former Zebras player, Mogogi Gabonamong said in an interview that he first met “Bra Stan” while he was only 16 years when he joined Mogoditshane Fighters, and together with another late coach Major David Bright, they shaped his life. Gabonamong said Bra Stan was one of the best coaches the country ever produced, adding that he did not teach the game, but also built the players characters.
“Our football failed Bra Stan but he remained resolute because he believed in Botswana players and Botswana football,” he said.
Gabonamong said Bra Stan was a humble coach, but a disciplinarian at same time, adding that he did not mix business with pleasure.
“He would joke with us here and there, but he demanded discipline. The fact that we qualified for AFCON under Bra Stan says a lot about the journey,” he said.
He said the Zebras did not qualify for AFCON by fluke but was through Stan’s insistence on team work in the camp.
“He brought unity to the team. He always wanted to learn and equip himself with new coaching methods,” he said.
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