Zebras shut shop but scoring boots missing
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday March 30, 2024 12:23
The Zebras spent the FIFA international week in Madagascar where they played Burundi and Rwanda. The team is preparing for the next round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which resume in June. In Madagascar, the Zebras played to two goalless draws as the team returned home without a win but on the positive, did not concede. It was a superb defensive display from the team as the Zebras have conceded just once in the last four games. In the process, the team played three draws and won once. Da Rosa feels to turn the draws into wins, the team needs to find its scoring boots.
The team's offensive structure is the speedy wingers as per the tactician and he said they need to fix the attacking organisation to become a competitive side. "Today, in the offensive organisation, we were not efficient; we wanted to break on the flanks and beyond the opponent's defensive line. We did not achieve that. We had three or four opportunities, which is not enough. We got more opportunities against Rwanda and today we missed the creative (spark). We are disappointed not to win the match but as a coach, I have to stay positive and work with the programme we are meeting. The offensive organisation we are not creative, the target is to disturb the opponents in the wings because we can be very fast and very powerful. We defend very well and we did not concede too many opportunities and that's very important," Da Rosa said.
He highlighted that his side can play much better bearing in mind he missed three key players for the Madagascar trip. The French tactician said the trip allowed him to evaluate some of the players in the squad, as two crucial World Cup qualifiers against Somalia and Uganda loom. Young Systems goalkeeper, Maikano Tladinyane and defender Obakeng Senono of Masitaoka were the new faces in the team. Da Rosa entrusted youthful prospects in Police XI's skilful winger Oarabile Sekwai and Masitaoka captain, Olebogeng Ramotse and the two made an impact on the team. Ramotse is in line to play a key role in the team after impressive displays in the two games played in Madagascar. His performances present a healthy headache for Da Rosa's technical team as the central midfield options include among others, Mothusi Cooper, Lebogang Ditsele, Gape Mohutsiwa, Phenyo Serameng and Godiraone Modingwane. Da Rosa will also be playing for a contract extension at Lekidi Football Centre as his mandate ends with the two World Cup qualifiers in June.
He was given four World Cup qualifiers to prove his worth and thus far, he has lost once against Mozambique and won 1-0 at home against Guinea.