Butler shuts door on Nato, softens on Ngele
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday October 29, 2014 16:38
Both players left the national team in a huff after a tiff with the technical team. Nato was reportedly drunk when he reported for camp recently while Ngele walked out after being reprimanded for poor performance by assistant coach, Pio Paul.
Yesterday, Butler said there would be no room for Nato when he announced his squad to face Tunisia on November 14 in an AFCON qualifier. Nato was reported to have quit the national side, but quickly dismissed the reports arguing he only had some issues, which he needed addressed.
“I have not spoken to them and there has been no word from them. Neither I nor the association have done anything wrong. Ngele is talented and I rate him highly, it is normal that players react the way he did. He was upset. I will try and have a chat with him. As for Nato, no, I will not be calling him up. These are two different cases,” Butler said.
He said it is critical that the integrity of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) is upheld following recent feuding among the association’s officials.
Butler said it is crucial that the technical director stays away from the national team. The statement is a clear indication of a breakdown in relations between the Zebras coaching staff and Ben Kgomela, the BFA technical director.
Kgomela and Paul had a public confrontation at the SSKB Stadium a fortnight ago.
“It is critical that we do not rush to the media. We have to uphold the integrity of the association. My job is to coach and manage the senior team and I think we are doing that well,” Butler said.
The Briton is expected to name his squad before November 9 when it assembles for the Tunisia game.
The Zebras are battling to restore pride after four consecutive defeats at the hands of continental giants, Tunisia, Senegal and Egypt.
Tickets for the Tunisia game will go on sale this week with the main stand costing P100 while the rest of the ground is P20.
Meanwhile, Paul is expected to be named the Under-23 coach this week.
There have been reported pockets of resistance to Paul’s appointment but Butler expects his right hand man to be given the job.
“Pio Paul as the national team assistant coach has to be the Under-23 coach as we need continuity.”
The Under-23 side assembles this week to prepare for the 2015 Under-23 CAF Championships.