Butler�s pragmatic approach pays-off
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday August 5, 2014 15:36
Skepticism flowed through when the Englishman ventured into Botswana for his first African assignment in February. He had never taken charge of a national team before. But the Englishman was tasked with major repair works after the Zebras’ form had taken a shocking nose-dive post a debut AFCON finals appearance in 2012.
Butler promised to blood youngsters while ensuring a graceful exit for the veterans who have loyally served over the years.
Mompati Thuma, Ndiyapo Letsholathebe, Mosimanegape Ramohibidu, Tshepo Motlhabankwe are fast becoming distant memory, although there was a surprise return for their peer, ageing goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo.
The raw talent of Seloiso Keorapetse, Thato Ogopotse, Lebogang Ditsele, Obonye Moswate has been recognised by Butler, and to a certain extent now, the nation at large.
The brave calls heightened fears Butler’s project will not morph quick enough to soothe a nation agitating for immediate results.
But in four official assignments, Butler has proved to be the right medicine. Grinding wins at home and a fortifying new belief that the Zebras are improved travellers with two away draws.
Coming out with a point in the jungles of Africa, particularly the daunting western parts of the continent, is often celebrated in the same breath as a win.
Butler and his charges have had to ride over stormy preparations, which included a last minute government financial bail-out for their Guinea Bissau trip.
Besides an opening 3-0 friendly win against South Sudan, the Zebras have preferred a direct approach, which produces results.
Their first round assignment away to Burundi, although tough, almost produced a win as the Zebras were the more incisive and decisive of the two. In the return leg, Burundi enjoyed territorial advantage, seeing a lot of the ball but profligacy in front of goals meant they went away with a 1-0 defeat.
The Zebras were always second on the ball, and struggled in an unfamiliar formation, which saw winger, Joel Mogorosi play a lone role upfront.
The Zebras grabbed the all-important goal through Mogorosi early in the second half to set up a date against Guinea Bissau in the second round. That Mogorosi goal summed up the type of Zebras play with goalkeeper, Kabelo Dambe posting a direct kick to his skipper.
Two first half goals from Lemponye Tshireletso settled the first leg of the Guinea Bissau contest.
Dambe was called on to produce an assortment of saves while at the other end Tshireletso was guilty of passing up gilt-edged opportunities. On Saturday, the predatory Jerome Ramatlhakwana grabbed a goal in the last minute of normal time to set up tantalising dates against Africa’s giants, Tunisia, Egypt and Senegal.
Butler has preferred a practical yet effective approach, probably after gauging the strength of his players.
His predecessor, Stanley Tshosane is on record saying he was forced into a defensive formation due to the calibre of the players he had. The Briton’s direct approach is paying dividends. This has earned the fans a rare opportunity to watch North African giants, Egypt and Tunisia once more while Senegal presents a fresh challenge.
The top two teams from each of the seven groups and the best third placed team qualifies for the AFCON finals which Morocco host in January.
FIXTURES
Tunisia vs Botswana(away) September 5/6
Botswana vs Senegal(home) September 10
Botswana vs Egypt(home) October 10/11
Egypt vs Botswana(away) October 15
Botswana vs Tunisia(home) November 14/15
Senegal vs Botswana(away) November 19
GROUPS
Group A: Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, South Africa
Group B: Mali, Malawi, Ethiopia, Algeria
Group C: Bukina Faso, Lesotho, Gabon, Angola
Group D: Core d'Ivoire, Sierra Leone, DR Congo, Cameroon
Group E: Ghana, Uganda, Guinea, Togo
Group F: Zambia, Mozambique, Niger, Cape Verde
Group G: Tunisia, Botswana, Senegal, Egypt