The Zebras preparations for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations are already experiencing problems, just as the coach tries to build a formidable team.
Just like in the past, the problem is emanating from Mochudi Centre Chiefs controversial player, Dirang Moloi.
Tshosane wanted to feature Moloi for a friendly game against Mozambique on Wednesday but has been told that the player is going for trials in China.
It has been a month since Chiefs started preaching the trials for Moloi and some people are wondering why now when the Zebras are about to play.
Tshosane would not want to suspect any foul play from Centre Chiefs, saying their decision should be respected and adding that he would do with the players he had.
Centre Chiefs players have in the past snubbed the national team mainly to help their team fight for honours.
It is the second time Moloi is finding himself embroiled in the club versus country saga. Last year, he did the same and Tshosane ended up ditching him. Tshosane’s decision did not go down well with some Centre Chiefs officials.
At that time, Centre Chiefs had hopes of retaining the league title that ended up going to Gaborone United.
Today (Sunday) Centre Chiefs are playing one of their hoodoos teams, Ecco City Green and there is suspicion that the team might be banking him for the game.
Another Centre Chiefs utility player, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, once did the same by snubbing the team claiming to be sick. Instead of being checked by team doctors, he preferred to fax a doctor’s letter. That raised eyebrows because immediately after that, he featured in a league encounter.
Tshosane made it clear that he wanted Moloi to be part of the team because of the immense talent he has.
“We are told that he is going for trials in China and we decided not to include him in the team. To be honest I do not really know when he is going or coming back, but we have players I believe will equally do the job for the country,” said Tshosane.
The team leaves for Mozambique on Monday and will come back the day after the game.
Efforts to contact Centre Chiefs were futile at press time.
The other notable inclusion is veteran goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo, who currently does not have a club after he was released by the Egyptian team, Haraas Elhodoud.
The team was compelled by the fact that the Egyptian football authority implemented an act that barred foreign goalkeepers from playing Egypt.
Marumo has been without a club for close to a month and there was doubt about his fitness. But Tshosane said Marumo is fit because he has been practising with the Zebras from the day he arrived in the country.
Centre Chiefs, on the other hand, are leading the pack with five players in the team followed by BDF XI, Township Rollers and Ecco City Green which have three apiece.
Full squad:
Moemedi Moatlhaping, Michael Mogaladi, Othusitse Pilane, Sekhana Koko and Motlhabankwe (Chiefs), Mompati Thuma, Mokgathi Mokgathi, Patrick Motsepe (BDF XI), Kabelo Dambe, Onalethata Tshekiso, Aubrey Kebonnetse (Rollers) Patrick Lenyeletse, Ontse Ntesa, Malepa Bolelang (ECCO City Green), Marumo (No Club), Mmusa Ohilwe (BMC), Moreetsi Mosimanyana (Notwane), Ndiapo Letsholathebe (Police XI) and Ndiapo Letsholathebe of Police XI.
