Celtic expected to release Zebras duo
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday July 15, 2014 12:02
There were concerns the seasoned duo will not be available for the tough encounter, but coach, Peter Butler said Celtic management had agreed to release the players. “We had fruitful deliberations and we expect the club to release the two today (yesterday) or tomorrow (today),” he said.
The second round AFCON qualifier does not fall under the FIFA calendar and therefore, clubs are not obliged to release their players.
Mogorosi has been particularly key in the Zebras quest to qualify for the group stages where Senegal, Egypt and Tunisia lie in wait.
He scored the solitary goal against Burundi, which ensured the Zebras progress from the last round. Gabonamong missed both legs of the first round after snubbing Peter Butler’s call-up, arguing he was informed late.
However, the player is ready to join the team after he met with Butler to iron out outstanding issues.
Butler said Platinum Stars have agreed to release Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele and goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe. Ofentse Nato and Galabgwe Moyana are available while DRC based Jerome Ramatlhakwana was injured in training.
Butler did not sound entirely happy with the preparations as he said the squad was forced to train on an unsuitable pitch.
“JJ twisted his ankle because we have been forced to train on an unsuitable pitch. The Lekidi pitch has been booked for something else. You would expect that when the national team plays, it takes precedence,” Butler said.
He said the squad has not been able to get sufficient training sessions as suitable venues are unavailable.
The Guinea Bissau assignment will prove testing as the South African based players from Celtic and Platinum Stars will not be available for the second leg away from home. Their teams will be involved in the Top Eight competition.
The Zebras played a friendly match against Lesotho last night, their last international build-up before Saturday’s game.