The two national teams were supposed to play a friendly this Sunday. Reports say the Kenya Football Federation (KFF) gave an excuse to the Botswana Football Association (BFA) that it could not get foreign-based players in time for the Zebras' game. The Kenyans wanted to use the Zebras tie as part of preparations for their 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations qualifier against Mozambique on September 5.
The Harambee Stars wanted to have a feel of an artificial turf before their tie against the Mambas and Molepolole Stadium had been earmarked for the game. The Kenya-Mozambique tie will be played at Machava Stadium, which has an artificial turf. The Harambee Stars have since decided to camp in Johannesburg and train in a stadium with an artificial turf, used by the Nigeria's Super Eagles as they prepared for Mozambique in the group opener.
BFA public relations and marketing officer Phakamile Kraai said they cancelled the Zebras-Stars match after the Kenyans said they cannot honour the fixture.
Zebras' coach Stanley Tshosane said that the cancellation had inconvenienced them, as his boys have been in camp since Monday last week. The players were dismissed on Thursday after Kenya pulled out of the friendly.
Tshosane wanted to test new players in the Stars match and the likes of Mochudi Centre Chiefs utility man, Michael Mogaladi who has been recalled to the national team. The last time he played for the Zebras was last September against Madagascar in the qualifications for both the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
Mogaladi was fingered as having initiated threats to boycott the Madagascar game over outstanding bonuses.
Notwane goalkeeper, Botlhe Moralo, was part of the squad, replacing Egypt-based Modiri Marumo and his deputy, Noah Maposa, who has since joined South African National First Division side Bay United. ECCO City Green's defender, Keabetswe Jenamiso and Patrick Lenyeletse (Boteti Young Fighters) were some of the new faces that Tshosane had called to camp.Meanwhile, Harambee Stars take on Iran tomorrow before playing hosts Bahrain on Friday in a three-nation tournament.
