No need to panic - Butler
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday May 13, 2014 12:08
The Zebras start the campaign against Burundi at the preliminary stage this Sunday.
But Butler is not worried despite the fact that Isihlangu comprehensively dismantled his young project at the New Lobatse Stadium on Sunday.
The mauling follows another 3-0 wallop by South African club, Platinum Stars in a practice match on Thursday. After the latest defeat, Butler declared that the hiding was not a train smash.
“It (result) will not have any effect on the Burundi game. The senior players were not in. The Burundi preparations start today (yesterday),” Butler said. South Africa based players, Kabelo Dambe, Mogakolodi Ngele, Joel Mogorosi, Ofentse Nato and Galabgwe Moyana were expected to join the squad yesterday.
Butler insists he will continue to develop young players as he builds for the future. However, he will not take chances against Burundi on Sunday as he wants to progress to the group stage.
“Last night’s game has a zero bearing on our Burundi preparations. We have to adopt a disciplined and organised approach (against Burundi). It is going to be hostile so we need an experienced squad,” Butler said.
He hinted that 19-year-old midfielder, Lebogang Ditsele, who impressed against Swaziland, might make the Burundi trip. The players will be trimmed to 20 ahead of Thursday’s departure to Bujumbura.
Swaziland did not raise much sweat in displacing a Zebras side short on experience. In fact the sparse crowd at one stage resorted to booing the local side, but Butler is unfazed.
“There were about 50 people at the stadium and people are entitled to do whatever they want. But fans should criticise me and not the players,” he said.
Meanwhile, Butler dismissed reports linking him with a potential move to Rwanda. The coach has been short-listed with six other candidates for the Rwanda national team job.
“The reports are totally untrue. Over the last months, I have been linked with many jobs. I signed a three-year contract. I love the people (of Botswana) and I love the country,” he said.
He said his duty is to develop a strong team for the future and fans have to appreciate that it might take time.
The Zebras attempt a second AFCON finals qualification when they play Burundi in the preliminary stage. The winner faces either Central Africa Republic or Guinea Bissau for a place in the group stages where giants, Senegal, Egypt and Tunisia lie in wait.