National team coach, Stanley Tshosane, seems to be sending a strong message to national team players after releasing a preliminary squad to play Mozambique in an international friendly.
The two teams will be playing on February 9 at Machava Stadium in Maputo. By the look of things, Tshosane seems to be saying that no player is guaranteed a place unless he pulls up his socks.
He has included several new faces while others are those who are normally in and out of the squad.
The squad is not final yet because some of the foreign-based players might be included latter. Tshosane has, however, made it clear that those players that are not pulling up their socks will be dropped.
“Definitely, if you do not work hard, it will be impossible to select you because there are many other upcoming players. So everybody has to be always at his best; that’s why I keep on including relatively new faces in the team. I am always looking at players who have potential and monitor their progress. There are also some people who help me in that regard,” he said. Some of those who have been called up for national duty include is the duo of Zecco Makafiri of Ecco City Greens and Biki Letoane of Tafic.
Other players, like Kaelo Kgaswane (Gaborone United), Boitshoko Zikhale, Godfrey Ngele (Uniao Flamengo Santos), Lemogang Maswena of Notwane are back again after featuring in a friendly encounter against Sweden in South Africa two weeks ago.
The interesting inclusion, however, is Edwin Olerile who has been consistent for his team for the past three seasons, Township Rollers. He was once called up but did not turn up and coach Tshosane and his technical team never bothered to call him again.
He now seems to have had a change of heart because the player is an engine for Rollers at the left back.
His inclusion then threatens Mosimangape Ramohibidu who has been with the Zebras for some time.
On the other hand, Tshosane thanked the Botswana Football Association for giving him all the support he needs ahead of the crucial encounter against Chad in March.
He said by the time they play Chad, the Zebras will be ready for the encounter. Tshosane, however, ruled out any more friendlies after the forth-coming one against Mozambique, saying that he would rather look for light opponents.
“What is happening is all I asked for and I am happy it is happening and by the time we play Chad the team will be more than ready and hopefully positive results will come,” he said.
Tshosane also said the away match in Ndjamena will be a total different ball game because already both teams know each other. Although Chad is already out of contention for 2012 Afcon, they need not to underrate them because they might pull a surprise and register their first win.
Other players in the team are Mompati Thuma, Lemponye Tshireletso (BDF XI) Noah Maposa, Tshepho Motlhabankwe, Moemedi Moatlhaping, Othusitse Pilane, Pontsho Moloi (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Patrick Lenyeletse (Ecco City Green), Maano Ditshupo, Ofentse Mmipi (Extension Gunners), Mmusa Ohilwe, Ofentse Nato (Gaborone United), Ndiyapo Letsholathebe (Police XI), Kabelo Dambe, Sekhana Koko, Onalethat Tshekiso and Joel Mogorosi.
