The announcement was made two hours before the Zebras jetted out of the country to play Guinea in the 2006 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on Sunday in Conakry.
Details of the contract were not disclosed. But Fani pointed out that though it took time to make the announcement, it was not because there were major points of disagreement. He said they needed time to finalise the contract because the national team has been having a busy schedule.
The highlight of the announcement was the signing of the contract at a press conference. Jelusic paid tribute to the BFA for according him the opportunity to coach the national team.
He said he noted seriousness on the BFA’s part when they were negotiating with him in 2002. He heaped praise on his assistant, Stanley Tshosane for a cordial working relationship.
“I enjoy working with the assistant coach, Major Stanley Tshosane and look forward to continuing the good work that we have achieved to date,” he said in a statement.
He expressed confidence in the Zebras, adding that they have the potential to deliver at the highest level if the necessary resources are availed to prepare for competitive matches.
“I would like to therefore add my voice to the call for more funding for national teams and for direct funding of national team activities,” he said.
He said if national team players are given a fair opportunity, they can make it in some of the world’s most competitive leagues.
At the moment, only two players from the national team ply their trade abroad. Zebras’ marksman, Diphetogo Selolwane plays for Chicago Fire in the United States while Pius Kolagano plays for Dangerous Darkies in South Africa.
Since Jelusic took over the reigns in 2002, the national team has experienced a turn of fortunes. Under his tutelage, Botswana managed to record their first win in the annual Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Castle Cup. For two consecutive years, the Zebras have now reached the quarter-finals of the regional tournament. Jelusic has also coached Botswana to the group stages of the World Cup qualifiers for the first time.
All these have seen the country improve in both CAF and FIFA rankings. Botswana is ranked 25th in Africa and 107th in the world. The good performance of the team in recent years has seen more people coming to the stadium every time there is an international match.
Commenting on their preparation, Jelusic said though Guinea is a good side, they will do their best to get a good result. Jelusic goes to Guinea without some of his regular players. Kolagano and Malepa Bolelang are out with injuries while Masego Ntshingane is held by school commitments.
“We are not scared of Guinea but we know we have a tough task ahead of us,” he said. Guinea drew with Tunisia during the African Cup of Nations tournament in January and beat them in the current qualifiers. Guinea are currently leading Group 5 which has Botswana, Kenya, Malawi Morocco and Tunisia.
The 18 players who travelled to Guinea are Modiri Marumo, Kagiso Tshelametsi, Khumo Motlhabane, Ernest Amos, Kabelo Kgosiyang, Ndiapo Letsholathebe, Talinda Nyathi, Mogogi Gabonamong, Michael Mogaladi, Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Tebogo Mothusi, Phadza Butale, Nelson Gabolwelwe, Dipsy Selolwane, Tshepiso Molwantwa, Pontsho Moloi, Duncan Kgopolelo and Moemedi Moatlhaping.
