Zebras jet out for tough Burundi assignment
Mqondisi Dube | Friday May 16, 2014 16:34
Never short of a colourful quote, the British coach has done the talking and now the nation expects action and results. He flew out with a largely untested Zebras, which however, has the cushion of experience. Four players are tested grafters in the South African Premier League and Butler will look no further than the quartet for a surprise result.
While Burundi are ranked 38th in Africa, 16 places below the Zebras, African football is littered with unpredictable outcomes. Historically, the two teams cancel each other out, with one victory apiece in recent assignments.
But on Sunday, Burundi will start as favourites having called-up England based players. Butler will hope Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele replicates the form that has taken the South Africa Premiership by storm. The coach has led the Zebras to three friendly matches, winning one and losing two. However, he said the two defeats at the hands of Platinum Stars and Swaziland should not trigger panic. He admits his real test arrives lunchtime Sunday in Bujumbura. A hostile crowd is expected in a nation which has a population of nearly 10 million.
Although Butler is a proponent of attacking football, the selection of his troops for the duel prove he will prioritise discipline. Kabelo Dambe is certain to start between the posts, but it is the back four that might determine the outcome of the match.
The coach promised to introduce new faces but so far, the new boys have not yet brought him the results he wanted. Obonye Moswate might play out on the right, with Moreetsi Mosimanyana, Leutlwetse Tshireletso and Oscar Ncenga in contention for the two positions in central defence.
Out on the left is likely to be Otlaantshekela Mooketsi or the re-called Edwin Olerile. Jackie Mothatego and Ofentse Nato are likely to sit closer to the back four to add more discipline, while Joel Mogorosi will be out wide on the right. Sekhana Koko might be forced to perform the striker’s role after Tebogo Sembowa was left out due to injury. Lemponye Tshireletso is expected to occupy the left wing. Kick-off is 1:30 pm Botswana time.