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 As part of the 10th anniversary of the Orange Kabelano Charity Cup, the Zebras and the Simbas were brought in to spice up the occasion and the national heroes did not disappoint. In an interview with Monitor Sport after the game, Jelusic said he was happy with the attitude of the players during the match. “They showed great improvement.” The Serbian-born coach added that he was satisfied with the way some of the players who have been out of the team played. Zebras’ captain Modiri Marumo made a return to the starting line up on Friday after being out for two months due to an ankle injury. Marumo got injured during the regional COSAFA Castle Cup mini-tournament held in Namibia in April. Since then, Notwane custodian, Kagiso Tshelametsi has been an impressive replacement. Another player who made a return against DRC is Marumo’s team-mate at BDF XI, Nelson ‘Viola’ Gabolwelwe who has been struggling with a groin injury. “Marumo (Modiri) looked good and did not commit any mistakes while Viola got a chance to play a full match. I must say that some of the youngsters we fielded were also satisfactory,” he said. Keoagetse “Barnes” Radipotsane started the match in the absence of Mogogi Gabonamong and did well. He was substituted in the second half by promising prospect, Joel “16” Mogorosi.
For Jelusic, it is important that his team play tough matches ahead of the remaining 2006 World Cup/African Nations Cup qualifiers against Morocco and Guinea. He said the international friendlies will help in preparing the team for the qualifiers and future matches. Supporters who thronged the National Stadium were satisfied that the Zebras competed strongly with the more fancied central Africans. Just like Jelusic, they believe that the team need such friendlies to develop.
On Friday, the Zebras did not perform well in the opening half thus allowing the visitors to take control of the game. The DRC, who brought only locally-based stars, looked comfortable on the ball and sprayed good passes. The Simbas’ Matumona Zola gave the Zebras a lot of headaches whenever he was in possession. Zola won the hearts of local fans who were however relieved when the stocky midfielder was replaced by Bahati Tinozola midway through the second half. Zebras hardly created chances in the opening half and the only time they came close was in the 38th minute when Radipotsane’s well-taken shot narrowly missed target. In defence, Mompati Thuma and Seabo Gabanakgosi once again stood tall. Gabolwelwe was a bit disappointing in the opening half and his crosses went to waste most of the time.
After the break, the Zebras pressed for goal but were thwarted by DRC goalkeeper, Kalemba Lukoki on three occasions. The FC Lupopo custodian twice denied Tshepiso “Sox” Molwantwa and Gabolwelwe. The visitors also had their chances but Marumo was equal to the task. He saved a clear-cut chance from substitute Tinozola in the 77th minute. A few minutes later, the DRC technical team could not believe their eyes when Mbokani Dieu shot wide with only Marumo at his mercy.
Teams line-ups:
Zebras: Marumo, Gabanakgosi, Thuma, Ernest Amos, Tshepo Motlhabankwe (Khumo Motlhabane), Michael Mogaladi, Gabolwelwe, Radipotsane (Mogorosi), Moemedi Moatlhaping (Kgakgamatso Pharo), Molwantwa and Tebogo Mothusi.
Simbas: Lukoki, Nsumbu Ditwabanza, Nkulukuta Miala, Lubanzadio Mayasisilua, Bokese Gladys, Milambo Mutamba, Mwamba Kakanda, Mukandila Tshitenge, Ngokene Patrick, Dieu and Matumona Zola (Tinozola).
Referee: Biggie Chidoda
Assistants: Moletlanyi Keoagile and Moora Silas.
Fourth Official: Malepa Israel.
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