Butler�s job not under threat � Sebego
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday November 25, 2014 14:42
“Butler’s job is not under threat. He has worked hard and met expectations,” Sebego said.
The BFA had asked Butler to reach the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which the Briton achieved seamlessly.
However, against strong sides, Egypt, Senegal and Tunisia the Zebras stuttered, mustering only one point in six matches.
Sebego said it would have been irresponsible for the BFA to expect Butler to take the team to the AFCON finals.
“The team was performing badly previously. We agreed that the team needs to be replenished. We want a team for the 2017 AFCON finals.
“The group stages were meant to give the players, most of them who are new caps, exposure and experience. We must appreciate that success does not come overnight,” he said. Sebego believes the Zebras are right on track.
The hurting Zebras will now look to ease the AFCON pain with a decent run in the COSAFA Challenge scheduled for next May in South Africa. Initially, Butler was expected to reach the quarter-finals of the regional tournament, which was supposed to be held in Botswana this year. However, since it has been shifted to next year, the target has been revised to a place in the semi final.
“At the time, the coach was new, but now we have realistic expectation for the team to reach the semi finals.” South Africa was announced as the host of the regional competition at the weekend with countries expected to field strong sides as it will be off-season for most leagues.
The Zebras were tepid during the group stages of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers finishing without a win.
Butler will now look to placate restive fans with a better run in the COSAFA tournament.