Zebras fly out minus visas
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Thursday July 31, 2014 16:16
Zebras’ welfare manager, Sakaeyo Jane said they tried in vain to process visas through the Guinea Bissau Embassy in South Africa. He said they have sent a list of names in the travelling party to Guinea Bissau so that their visas can be processed for collection on arrival.
The Zebras’ trip was in doubt early this week due to the unavailability of funds until the government came to the team’s rescue.
Despite all the challenges, coach Peter Butler was yesterday confident they can come out with a positive result in Guinea.
“We have trained well and I am positive about this game. We cannot mourn and feel sorry about whatever challenges we encounter. We should always be positive,” he said.
The Zebras lead 2-0 from the first leg. They are expected to encounter a hostile reception in the West African country.
Guinea Bissau complained about the treatment they got in Botswana in the first leg, but Butler has dismissed this as a mere excuse.
He said their opponents are to blame for the problems they encountered because they decided to travel from South Africa to Botswana by road.
In the process, they faced visa problems and failed to produce yellow fever vaccination certificates. Six players missed the tie as a result of the problems. Butler said people like to come up with excuses every time they lose a match.
He said his side is prepared for any eventuality in Guinea Bissau because he has experienced players who have played in different environments.
Veteran goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo and striker Mokgathi Mokgathi have been called to the team. The match takes place on Saturday at Estadio 24 in Bissau.
The full squad:
Mwampule Masule, Marumo, Kabelo Dambe, Leutlwetse Tshireletso, Obonye Moswate, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Otlantshekela Mooketsi, Jackie Mothatego, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Oscar Ncenga, Edwin Olerile, Ofentse Nato, Bonolo Phuduhudu, Lemponye Tshireletso, Galabgwe Moyana, Jerome Ramatlhakwana, Thato Ogopotse, Boitumelo Mafoko, Onalethata Tshekiso, Mokgathi, Mandla Mgadla