Despite having been doing well in the qualifications for 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, many people felt coach Stanley Tshosane was not doing enough to infuse new blood into the team.
They said Tshosane was using the same players all the time even in friendly matches.
Tshosane had his own reasons for doing that because he did not want to change a winning formula. Also, nowadays, each international match, even if it is a friendly, should not be taken for granted because it contributes to the FIFA rankings.
However, in a friendly match against Kenya two weeks ago, coach Tshosane introduced some players that people were always yearning to see in action and they did not disappoint as they produced five-star performances against star-studded Kenya.
The players sent a strong message to the regulars that they also want to see themselves in action next year at 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.
Some of such players who played well were the likes of Sekhana Koko (Township Rollers), Mogakolodi Ngele (Uniao Flamengo Santos) and Edwin Olerile of Township Rollers.
Koko terrorized Kenyan left back with his dribbling wizardry skills and pace. This means coach Tshosane will have more to choose from, especially between Koko and Joel Mogorosi.
Ngele might also be another option for the coach upfront where he can be a supporting striker.
Olerile, on the other hand, is shaking BMC left back Mosimanegape Ramohibidu from a left back position. Olerile has strong tackles and can also easily overlap upfront.
The Rollers captain is also blessed with a powerful shot which can be beneficial to the team.
On the other hand, Tshosane has roped in other new players ahead of the last match for the team against Togo next weekend.
Since the team has already qualified and Togo is out of contention, the match does not have much meaning for both teams.
Some of the new players that Tshosane had roped into his preliminary squad are Mochudi Centre Chiefs youthful goalkeeper, Bobby Mathe, Nico United crafty midfielder, Topo Piet and BDF XI Kabo Rasuping.
Against Kenya, the Zebras assistant coach, Kenneth Mogae, told Sunday Standard that selecting new players would help to have a pool of players to select from for AFCON 2012 tournament. Concerns were already raised in some soccer circles about the current team because several key players are in the twilight of their careers.
Some of the squad members
Mompati Thuma, Lemponya tshireletso, Patrick Motsepe (BDF XI), Mosimanegape Ramohibidu (BMC), Pontsho Moloi, Moemedi Moatlhaping, Othusitse Pilane, Mogorosi, Tshepo Motlhabankwe (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Bakang Moeng, Ngele (Uniao Flamengo Santos), Noah Maposa, Gaopatwe Seosenyeng, Ofentse Nato, Mmusa Ohilwe (Gaborone United), Dirang Moloi (Notwane), Ndiyapo Letsholathebe (Police XI), Olerile, Kabelo Dambe, Onalethata Tshekiso, Koko (Township Rollers).
