Zebras seek dignified exit

Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday November 19, 2014 15:42

 

It has been a long, often arduous road for Peter Butler and his charges, which has yielded only a point in five outings.

Butler has promised to mould a formidable side for the future and tonight’s outcome might be no consequence to the re-building.

However, it would mark a crucial turning point as the Zebras prepare for the next season.

Butler would be expected to deliver as he has had enough time to experiment and mix his charges in order to land a winning combination.

Against Tunisia, the Zebras appeared better and with precision, could have snatched all three points.

The signs have been encouraging and Butler knows that the nation has appreciated his project thus far. The Senegal game, while it is the final game of the season, kick starts a new era for the Zebras as they seek a return to glory days, which culminated in a first ever AFCON qualification in 2012 under Stanley Tshosane.

Butler is expected to qualify for the 2016 (Africa Nations Championships) CHAN and 2017 AFCON finals. Against Senegal, the coach is expected to tamper with his line-up, giving fringe players game time.

Gaborone United goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko might be in line for his first cap after a good domestic season.

But the coach might be tempted to field a strong starting 11 to avoid humiliation against an on form Senegal side that has lost once in five games.

Senegal and Tunisia are through, with only pride at stake for tonight’s fixtures. Equatorial Guinea has replaced Morocco as hosts, after the North African country withdrew citing Ebola fears.

The Zebras return home tomorrow.