AFCON: Botswana star Cooper signs for Moroccan club

Weeks after representing Botswana at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, Township Rollers FC midfielder Mothusi Cooper has joined Moroccan lower league side 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗢𝘂𝗷𝗱𝗮 on a short-term contract.

The 28-year-old player was a regular for the Zebras, who exited the continental tournament prematurely in Morocco without having a feel of what it meant to win a game, let alone score.

With Cooper dictating midfield action with little success, Morena Ramoreboli’s charges lost to the Democratic Republic of the Congo 3-0, Senegal (2-0) and Benin (1-0) in the AFCON group-stage.

Despite such a disastrous outing at AFCON, the midfielder did enough to attract the attention of the 𝗠𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗼𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 𝗢𝘂𝗷𝗱𝗮.

In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the Botola Pro 2 club confirms the arrival of the talented footballer who is capable of playing in all attacking roles.

“MCO’s management office announces the contract of 28-year-old Botswana player Mothusi Cooper on a contract extended to 30 June 2027… he is also an international player, having played 30 international matches with the Botswana national team, his last during the final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Morocco.

“We wish good luck to our new player,” reads the statement.

Township Rollers, the FNB Premiership team, confirmed the transfer of the exciting player who has joined a growing band of Motswana players seeking greener pastures in North Africa.

“A proven international with 𝟯𝟬 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝟱𝟴𝟱 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗼𝗻, Cooper leaves as a symbol of what the Popa pathway represents. Development. Visibility. Progress beyond borders,” the club’s statement reads.

“His contract runs until 𝟯𝟬 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟳 and carries with it the weight of a badge that has carried Botswana football for decades. From Palastina to North Africa, excellence travels well. We wish our midfield general every success as he carries the Popa DNA onto a bigger stage.”

Which are players from Botswana are based in Morocco?

In Morocco, Cooper will have the company of compatriots Tumisang Orebonye of Wydad AC and Kabelo Seakanyeng (Mas FES FC). Overall, there are eight Motswana players on the books of North African clubs.