This is despite the fact that the Zebras will miss some key players due to club commitments and injuries.
“We’ll have to do with the players at our disposal but the absence of Pius (Kolagano) might have a negative impact on us since he has been a regular figure in our defence,” said Marumo. The soft speaking custodian added that the morale in camp is very high and the team is raring to go.
“We’ve never experienced any problems against them hence we’re confident of winning. We’re looking beyond this game since we’ll play more games which will help us prepare for the World Cup qualifiers which start in June,” he said.
He added that the arrival of hard working midfielder Masego Ntshingane who is studying in the US has boosted the morale of the team. Ntshingane joined camp on Wednesday. Defensive midfielder Mogogi Gabonamong who is plying his trade in Trinidad & Tobago will miss the game because of undisclosed reasons.
By late yesterday, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) officials were still negotiating with South African side Dangerous Aces to release Kolagano.
According to information reaching Mmegi Sport, Aces are reluctant to release him since they have an important ABSA Cup date against Golden Arrows at Kanyamazane Stadium in Nelspruit on the same day.
Aces manager Mario Pillay told Mmegi Sport yesterday that even though Kolagano wants to be available for the COSAFA tie, the club needs his services more than before. In an interview, Kolagano said: “I want to be part of the Zebras but the management is not willing to release me. I hope by the end of today, we’ll have reached an agreement”.
The Zebras’ preparations suffered a blow on Wednesday when Michael Mogaladi was ruled out because of injury.
Head coach Jelusic Veselin was expected to announce replacements today before the team departs tomorrow morning.
“We’ve got capable replacements but we’ll make changes in some positions,” said Veselin.
US based Chicago Fire striker Diphetogo “Dipsy” Selolwane is scheduled to arrive today from Portugal where he has been attending a pre-season camp.
The Zebras beat Likoena 4-1 before going in to get a 0-0 draw their away encounter in last year’s preliminary round of the 2006 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifiers. Likoena are currently ranked 32nd and the Zebras are riding the crest on the 28th spot in the latest FIFA/CAF rankings.
Meanwhile Zebras’ supporters are expected to depart for Maseru this evening from the Gaborone Secondary School grounds at 6pm.
