Boitumelo Khutsafalo
24 June 2009
Zebras' coach, Stanley Tshosane has called only locally-based players for the friendly game against Iran on July 5 at the University of Botswana Stadium.
The 22 players reported to camp on Monday. Tshosane said yesterday that the foreign-based players were not included in the squad because they have just returned to their respective clubs for pre-season training.
Except for goalkeeper Modiri Marumo, all foreign-based players in the Zebras' squad ply their trade in neighbouring South Africa. Tshosane explained that since the professionals played in the New Zealand game, he decided not to disturb their schedule.
It is expected that the Iran game will be a perfect opportunity to give young players who recently made it to the national team exposure ahead of the 2012
Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. All the local players in the team, which faced New Zealand early this month have been retained for the Iran match.
Six new players who were not part of the New Zealand team have been called up. These include, Gaborone United (GU) captain Joseph Phetogo, Notwane goalkeeper, Botlhe Moralo, Extension Gunners' midfielder, Kemmy Pilato, Lemponye Tshireletso of BDF XI, Moreetsi Mosimanyana (Notwane), Fighters' exciting winger, Mandla Mgadla and Dirang Moloi of Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
Moloi was initially called up for the New Zealand friendly but was later dropped after failing to report to camp on time.
The gangly playmaker remains an integral part of the team and he is expected to add value.
Announcing his final team prior to the New Zealand friendly, Tshosane told journalists that he had nothing against Moloi and he will always consider him for games. The Iran match provides an opportunity for Tshosane and his technical team to try new combinations without the foreign legion. Extension Gunners coach, Daniel 'Chicco' Nare has been roped in as a stand in assistant coach.
He replaces Boteti Young Fighters' mentor, Kenneth Mogae who could not make it to the camp because of work commitments. The following is the complete team for the Iran tie:
Mompati Thuma, Tshireletso, Mokgathi Mokgathi, Musa Ohilwe, Mosimanegape Ramohibidu, Noah Maposa, Moemedi Moatlhaping, Moloi, Pontsho Moloi, Ontse Ntesa, Malepa Bolelang, Bonolo Frazer, Phetogo, Mosimayana, Moralo, Mgadla, Pilato, Barolong Lemmenyane, Mpoeleng Mpoeleng, Ndiyapo Letsholathebe and Mogakolodi Ngele.
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