Butler's key to transition

Chakalisa Dube | Friday February 14, 2014 15:30

 

Foreign legion is

However, Butler takes over a team that needs to be reconstructed based on the fact that some players have retired and others are ageing.

At his unveiling the Briton made public his desire to bring in new young players. As the coach toys around the idea of which new players to bring into the national team fold the he should consider building his team around the following foreign-based players:

 

Kabelo Dambe (23 years)

The former Township Rollers player might be playing second fiddle to first choice goalie Siyabonga Mpontshane at his South African club Platinum Stars at the moment, but he is in a professional set-up, which might be vital on the international stage. 

Dambe has played for almost all youth national teams, which might also provide the much-needed experience to the national team as it goes through changes in playing personnel. Age is also on his side.

 

Mogakolodi Ngele (23 years)

The Platinum Stars man is probably the brightest talent to have ever come out of the country. Ngele has at times fizzled in national team colours but that can be attributed to lack of experience at international level.

However, with age on his side, Ngele has time to gain experience, which explains why he should be a key figure in Butler’s team.  Ngele is also growing in confidence at a club where he has chipped in with some vital goals, which explains why he should play a key role for the Zebras as it goes through transition. Ngele is tipped to achieve and even surpass what the likes of Dipsy Selolwane has achieved with the national team.

 

Jerome Ramatlhakwane (28 years)

There is also no doubt that the CS Don Bosco striker should form a key figure in the national team. Ramatlhakwane has proved his mantle at international level in recent years. He played a key role during the qualifiers for the 2012 AFCON qualifiers as the Zebras topped their group.  The DRC-based striker comes across as a hard worker and a player who has character. At 28, Jerome is at the peak of his career.

 

Ofentse Nato (24 years)

Nato has been an outstanding player for the Zebras since he broke into the team while still playing for Gaborone United.

The Mpumalanga Black Aces player has of late been playing as a central defender at his club instead of his natural defensive midfield role but has fared well in the new position. With the most players in the Zebras defence and midfield ageing, Nato with his wealth of experience should be among those who will form the backbone of the team.

 

Mogogi Gabonamong (31 years)

The Bloemfontein Celtic defensive midfielder has not featured much for the Zebras in recent games but there is no one who can dispute his importance to the national team.

The player has on several occasions fallen out with national team on welfare issues. If he is available, the hard-tackling midfielder-cum-centre back can provide the much-needed experience attained playing at both international, and club level for some years in the South African Premier league. With his leadership capabilities Butler should consider Gabonamong for the captaincy role. The player can still play for a number of years in the team.

 

Joel Mogorosi (29 years)

Mogorosi has been inconsistent in national team colours of late. But with the experience he gained playing for Celtic in South Africa, he can provide guidance to the youngsters. The former Mochudi Centre Chiefs winger comes across as a player who has character.