Botswana international Mothusi Cooper has vowed that Morocco is not his final destination after penning a three-year deal with Botola Pro side MC Oujda.
Cooper has set his sights on a move to Europe and believes his North Africa stint will be a stepping stone.
In an exclusive interview with FARPost at a Johannesburg hotel, the Zebras talisman said he was thrilled by the opportunity.
“I’m happy about this move; it’s one of the most significant moves of my career. I’m just going there to play football, enjoy the game while I expose myself. We’ll see what happens with time, but I need to work hard.
“You’ve got to dream big, and Morocco isn’t my final destination. Morocco is closer to Europe, and I suppose there is an opportunity to move there,” said Cooper, who is scheduled to leave Johannesburg on Sunday.
The 24-year-old had a torrid time in Zambia, with Lusaka Dynamos failing to shell out his dues. The pint-sized midfielder accused the club of deceit after failing to receive the promised signing-on fee of R380 000. The player was eventually released from his agreement after the Football Association of Zambia [FAZ] intervened.
“The first time I went to Zambia, I was eager to feel how people treat you outside the country. Now I have an idea after the challenges I went through, and I’m looking forward to starting my journey in Morocco.
“I’m prepared mentally to go far from home; it’s hard work that needs to be done there. Of course, the culture, food, language, and way of life are different, but I have to learn from my teammates,” he told FARPost.
Cooper believes his North Africa stint will improve his game and, in turn, benefit the Botswana national team.
“There’s a difference when Botswana players go outside the country; we bring back experience, we learn from other players outside,” he concluded.
