At the time he was dropped, Mmegi Sport learned that the national team technical department complained that the Notwane striker spent too much time arguing with referees and that it affected his performance. The Zebras technical team decided to drop him after the youngster was sent off shortly after coming on as a substitute against Uniao Flamengo Santos on December 11 at the SSKB Stadium. This saw the multi-talented Moloi missing the Zebras’ friendly games against Lesotho, Zambia and South African Premier League team, Orlando Pirates.
Those who have watched the youngster in action since he was dropped, say that he has improved a lot and no longer argues too much with referees. “He is a better player now and seems to be enjoying his game,” says one supporter. His improved performance saw him being recalled to the Zebras camp ahead of the 2006 World Cup/African Nations Cup qualifier against Kenya in Nairobi. Though he did not make it to Kenya, many of his supporters were happy that he is back with the Zebras.
In an interview with Mmegi Sport yesterday, Moloi said, “I’m a totally changed player and I’m focused. I no longer argue with referees as it doesn’t help”. The Serowe-born star says that since being suspended from national team engagements, he told himself that he would concentrate more on playing.
“I’m busy fighting for my place in the Zebras and I promise that I’ll soon be seen in the colours,” said Moloi. He said that supporters should know that whoever is picked is picked on merit. Zebras coach, Veselin Jelusic said the Notwane striker is a better player now and they are happy with his progress. “He is a skilful player and we never doubted that. We hope that very soon he’ll be back in the team,” Jelusic said. Those within the Zebras camp, say that Jelusic is a great admirer of Moloi but the way he was picking unnecessary cards last year disappointed the Yugoslav-born coach. “I think he (Jelusic) felt that if he did not take action against him, he would let the nation down one day with such behaviour,” said a source.
Notwane manager, Bonny Bashe said they have talked to the striker to concentrate more on playing. “It was not doing him any good arguing with referees and I’m happy that he has changed,” said Bashe. He further claimed that these days even when the referees rule against him, he just ignores them and carries on with his play.
Moloi’s cautions and dismissals from the games hit the headlines last year and at one stage, Notwane accused the referees of targeting their star striker and not protecting him from robust defenders. But the referees hit back saying that it was up to Notwane to bring the young striker to order. To date in the Premier League, Moloi has netted seven goals in 12 games, a good record by any standard.
