Boitumelo Khutsafalo
8 October 2008
National soccer team coach Stanley Tshosane has hinted that the players have been paid ahead of their 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against visiting Mozambique at the National Stadium in Gaborone this weekend.
Speaking to journalists yesterday, Tshosane said he was glad that the issues that have been dogging the team have been resolved although he did not go into details.
After the Zebras lost 1-0 away to Madagascar, it was claimed that failure to pay players' led to the disastrous defeat that ended Botswana's hopes of advancing to the next stage of the qualifiers.
Tshosane said yesterday that the decline in the Zebras' performances since the 1-1 draw against Ivory Coast at the National Stadium has been a concern. He said that although they lost to Madagascar, their preparations were not bad having played in the COSAFA Cup and in the friendly against Lesotho.
He said he had made changes in the team that played against Madagascar and fans need to be patient. He revealed that he fielded some players in unfamiliar positions because of injuries.
In the absence of Ndiyapo Letsholathebe because of academic commitments as Gobonyeone 'Shoes' Selefa through injury, Tshosane was forced to deploy midfielder Boitumelo Mafoko as a sweeper. Letsholathebe will miss the Saturday game.
Tshosane explained that although people complained about his first eleven, they should understand that players are selected based on what happens in training.
He pleaded with fans to understand that when new players are introduced in the team, they must start either on the bench or on the pitch. Some people criticised the Zebras' mentor for throwing new caps Mosimanegape Ramohibidu and Abednico Powell in the deep against Mozambique, although there had been calls that the two should be given a run.
Tshosane said he still believes the Zebras will win the game against Mozambique although he admitted that it will not be easy since the Mambas also want victory. Zebras welcome back Selefa and striker Malepa Bolelang who missed the trip to Madagascar through injury. But Thobo 'Fish' Kgoboge, Michael Mogaladi and Mpho Mabogo are not part of the team. At the moment there are 25 players in camp although they will be cut down to 18.
BMC defender, Mmusa Ohilwe and Township Rollers' defender, Oboile Ncenga are some of the new faces in the team.
The referees for the game are from Senegal. Tickets will be sold at P50 for the Grand Stands, P30 for Pandamatenga and P20 elsewhere. Tickets will start selling on Friday.
Meanwhile, the national Under-20 team will be engaged in a crucial African Youth qualifier against South Africa on Saturday. The teams drew 1-1 in the first leg in Gaborone in the first leg.
The Young Zebras will be faced with a major task of ensuring that they get a win or favourable draw to qualify for the Africa Youth Championship in Burundi.
Coach Boyo 'Oris' Radipotsane said that although many believe that South Africa has an advantage because of the 1-1 draw, his charges are also in with a chance because they are going for a win.
He added that as usual, their preparations have been disturbed by school commitments.
Some of the key players including Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele are said to be preparing for their final examinations.
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