It is every player’s dream to don the national team jersey because the rewards that come with it are substantial.
Currently, the national team is doing wonders for the qualifications of the Africa Cup of Nations 2012 to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
With the team doing well, it would be difficult for the coach to make changes unless in times of suspensions and injuries. Currently, three former Zebras players seriously want their jerseys back as they are in incredible form.
The trio of Malepa Bolelang, Onalethata Tshekiso and Moemedi Moatlhaping was once in the national team but had to be dropped for various reasons.
Bolelang was injured for some time while Tshekiso had school commitments and that contributed to his dip in form.
Moatlhaping, on the other hand, just lost his renowned form drastically. The three have to now work even harder if they are to make it.
By press time all the three players had scored four goals apiece in the Premier League, something really impressive, especially for local players. Despite his past incredible form, Bolelang was overlooked by past Zebras coaches like Jellusic Vesselin and Colywn Rowe.
It was the incumbent, Stanley Tshosane, who gave Bolelang a lifeline, following the sacking of Rowe but injury let him down.
Tshekiso, on the other hand, was the darling of Rowe’s line-up but was wasteful in front of goals.
He, however, looks to have sharpened his boots, something that could be good news for the national coach, Tshosane, who does not have much choice upfront.
Before losing his form, Moatlhaping was seen as a future Zebras striker. It was not surprising when he joined the professional ranks in the South African Premier League.
He started well but surprisingly did not last and returned home. Why he came back still remains a mystery up to this day. He struggled for about two seasons, but now he seems to be focussed and is slowly going back to his renowned form.
On the other hand, national team coach, Tshosane, told Sunday Standard that he is closely watching the players, especially since they were once in the national squad.
He added that what is happening is also good news for the national team in terms of upcoming matches.
“When I took over the national team, I made it clear that nobody is guaranteed a place and those players who work hard will find their way to the national team. Players who are in the national team should also double their efforts because many others are waiting on the sidelines. This will help us a great deal, especially in times of suspensions and injuries.”
Tshosane also stressed that the upcoming friendly matches for the national team will include several new faces that would also have to prove themselves.
Meanwhile, information reaching Sunday Standard is that Zebras would not be able to play Egypt but rather Equatorial Guinea on October 12. The reason being that the Pharaohs will now play their fellow Middle East compatriots, Jordan.
The Ghana match, on the other hand, is still to be confirmed and if all goes well it will be played on October 22.
