It is criminal to snub national team - Butler
Mqondisi Dube | Thursday May 15, 2014 11:34
During a press conference in Gaborone yesterday, he said he will not call any player who snubs the national team. So far, Mogogi Gabonamong, Musa Ohilwe and Bonolo Fraiser have given different reasons for not joining the Zebras' squad for the start of the AFCON 2015 qualifiers this weekend.
However, Butler said the door still remains open for the players if they decide to honour the call. 'The ball is now in their court if they want to return, but I will not call them up. It is a crime and national embarrassment for players not to honour national team call-ups,' the coach said.
He said representing the nation is not about him (Butler), but is about respecting the team jersey.
Gabonamong reportedly told the Botswana Football Association (BFA) that he had already made holidays plans when the call-up came, while Fraiser is said to be keeping himself fresh for trials in Germany.
Meanwhile Butler has named an exciting mix of youth and experience in the Zebras squad that will travel to Bujumbura to meet hosts Burundi in the first leg of the AFCON qualifiers.
The 21-man squad contains experienced South Africa based players like Joel Mogorosi, Ofentse Nato, Mogakolodi Ngele and Kabelo Dambe. Some future prospects who made the grade include midfielders, Keorapetse Seloiso and Lebogang Ditsele.
There were places for late call-ups, Obuile Ncenga, Edwin Olerile and Lemponye Tshireletso
Mogorosi will captain the side assisted by Township Rollers' winger, Sekhana Koko.
Butler said although he would have liked to see his foreign legion in action in a friendly match, he is content with the state of affairs. The Zebras played Platinum Stars and Swaziland and lost both practice matches in which Butler fielded what he terms the 'development team'.
Mogorosi said they are ready to make the nation proud as the team contains young players keen to make a name for themselves. From players picked, it is clear Butler is ready to congest the midfield and stifle the opposition. He has picked only one recognised striker, unheralded Onkabetse Makgantai. Motsholetsi Sikele has replaced Tebogo Sembowa who sustained an injury.
The Zebras leave for Burundi on Thursday for the Sunday duel and return on Tuesday.
The Butler quote
'I am back next week Tuesday. I will buy you beer or coffee,' Butler said when asked on speculation that he will not return after the Burundi game.
The full squad:
Goalkeepers: Kabelo Dambe, Mwampule Masule, Michael Pepukani
Defenders: Moreetsi Mosimanyana, Leutlwetse Tshireletso, Osego Gaotewe, Otlaantshekela Mooketsi, Obonye Moswate, Edwin Olerile, Obuile Ncenga
Midfielders: Jackie Mothatego, Sekhana Koko, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Keorapetse Seloiso, Mogakolodi Ngele, Ofentse Nato, Lebogang Ditsele, Joel Mogorosi, Lemponye Tshireletso
Striker: Tebogo Sembowa, Onkabetse Makgantai