The frustrating story of Selolwane

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Tuesday December 8, 2009 00:00

 

When the current season started, the Botswana international was one of the players behind the success of the Imkava-based club.

Selolwane's exploits ensured that his side reached the final of the MTN 8 Cup final where they were humiliated 6-0 by Golden Arrows. He was an important member of temperamental coach Muhsin Ertugral. But then the Turkish left and in came Foppe De Haan and since then Selolwane has been warming the bench and or watching the proceedings from the stands.  His place in the team has been taken by South African internationals Lance Davids and Clifford Ngobeni. In rare appearances under the new coach, Selolwane has not disappointed. This has left many people wondering why he is not a regular anymore.

On Saturday against Bidvest Wits at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg, Selolwane was introduced in the 59th minute after Davids was rushed to hospital after a career threatening tackle by Thando Mngomeni. Selolwane immediately got into the mix and was involved in the move which led to the second goal scored by Diyo Sibisi in the 69th minute. His passing and runs off the ball were superb and created a headache for opponents. In the end Ajax comfortably won 2-0 and stayed on course in their title challenge.

De Haan says Selolwane is not a regular in his team because currently midfielders Davids, George Maluleka and Sameehg Doutie are doing a fantastic job for him. 'There is no doubt that he (Selolwane) is a good player but he has to be consistent. There are times when you find that he is on top of his game but the next one he is down.  But after today's (Saturday) performance, he might be considered to start in the next game,' the Dutch tactician explained to the media after the Bidvest's game.

Selolwane told Mmegi Sport that though he is frustrated by not being a regular, he has to continue fighting for his place in the team. 'The coach is the one who knows why he is not starting me and I have to respect that. If he feels that the guys who are playing satisfy him, let it be but like I said it is a challenge for me,' he said.

Selolwane played down reports in the South African media that he is considering a move away from Ajax in the current transfer window, which closes on December 15. It is said that lack of game time has forced him to look elsewhere. His contract expires at the end of June next year and whether Ajax would let him go before he sees his contract off remains to be seen.

There are unconfirmed reports that with the 2010 World Cup coming to South Africa next year, some clubs have decided to opt for local players. Club bosses say this will give the local players a chance to fight for a place in Carlos Alberto Parreira's national squad.