Zebras� hopes hinge on �The Animal�
Mqondisi Dube | Friday July 18, 2014 12:24
But too often, as acknowledged by coach, Peter Butler, the rankings are misleading. The Zebras are perched above the West Africans at 27th spot in Africa after slipping seven places down in the latest rankings released yesterday. Guinea Bissau is 42nd, but a close contest is expected in the two countries’ first meeting.
The Zebras are crippled by the absence of captain, Joel Mogorosi. South African side, Bloemfontein Celtic threw spanners in Butler’s work this week when they refused to release Mogorosi and Mogogi Gabonamong.
Mogorosi was a constant menace in the first round return leg tie against Burundi, completing a satisfying afternoon with the only goal of the match.
Butler now has the task of finding Mogorosi’s replacement upfront. The player had been handed the target man’s position in all the games he has played under Butler.
Recalled burly striker, Jerome ‘The Animal’ Ramatlhakwana might provide the answer to Zebras’ quest for goals.
Since his recall, Ramatlhakwana has shown flashes of brilliance. He rolled back the years with an assured shift in a friendly against Tanzania where he was among the scorers in a 4-2 rout. After the match, Butler was satisfied with the way the 2012 AFCON qualifiers leading scorer had led the line.
In goal, Kabelo Dambe is expected to start. Obonye Moswate may play out wide on the right with the excellent Edwin Olerile on the left. Leutlwetse Tshireletso and Boitumelo Mafoko are sure bets for the central defence positions. Ofentse Nato and Thato Ogopotse or Jackie Mothatego might be asked to do the mopping up in front of the defence. Mogakolodi Ngele will be the playmaker while Galabgwe Moyana and Lemponye Tshireletso are expected to operate in the advanced wing positions.
Guinea Bissau were expected to arrive yesterday afternoon and train at the match venue today.
Match kick-off is 3pm and tickets are only sold in advance at P100 for the grand stand, P50 for Panda and P30 for the rest of the ground.
The danger about Guinea Bissau
The West Africans are a closed book to Botswana. They are a physical side just like most West African teams but they should not be confused with namesakes from the region- Guinea (Conakry) or Equitorial Guinea (Malabo). They beat Guinea (Conakry) embarrassed the Zebras 6- 1. Guinea Bissau have players based in Europe.
Statistics
Have not won away from home since a 3- 1 victory over Gambia in 2011 only three wins since September 2010
Their 3- 1 victory over Central Africa Republic in the AFCON last month was the first since 2011.