Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ enterprising midfielder, Dirang Moloi, has been showing some signs of his old form since the be MOBILE Premier League season kicked off last month. It is creativity in the middle of the park which has seen him helping his club shoot to the top of the log.
He was his usual best when his side beat Notwane 2-1 at SSKB Stadium on Sunday afternoon scoring one goal and contributing the other, which was scored by Galabgwe Moyana.
His performances has forced the nation to call for his inclusion in the national team to face Mali in the 2013 African Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifier to be played at Lobatse Sports Complex next weekend.
National team gaffer, Stanley Tshosane, heeded the call and included the talented midfielder in the squad which assembled at Lekidi Football Centre on Sunday night.  Surprisingly, after learning that he has been included in the squad, Moloi declined the invitation.
This is the second time the youngster has turned down the invitation in less than a month. In the beginning he cited his mother’s ill-health as the main reason.
“I’m humbled that the coach has included me in the squad. I would like to be part of the team but not now. I don’t think I’m ready (fitness) to don the national jersey. Playing for the Zebras comes with a lot of pressure and I don’t want to disappoint the nation by not performing to their expectations,” said Moloi.
He pointed out that there are other players who can fill his place in the team and do the nation proud.
“The next camp I’ll be available. Let me make it clear that it’s not that I don’t want to play for the national team. As for now, I feel I’m not ready and it would be nice for those who started the campaign to finish it,” he continued.
Chiefs’ publicity officer, Clifford Mogomotsi, said that if Moloi feels that he is not yet ready to honour national call-up there is no need to force him. He said that at Chiefs they may be impressed by his displays but he is the one who knows his potential.
“If he feels that he has not reached that level where he can deliver for the national team we’ve to support him. We’ve been impressed by his commitment at club level but playing for the national team is something different,” said Mogomotsi.
When contacted for comment, Tshosane said he was unaware that Moloi would not make it to the camp.
“The manager (Patrick Zibochwa) indicated that Dirang said he was available but I don’t want to dwell too much into the issue since he has not communicated his absence to us,”┬ásaid Tshosane.
