Koobake relishes Zebras challenge
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Wednesday March 18, 2015 09:36
He is part of 31 players called up for the camp--that will run from March 22 to March 31.
He said he was happy that his hard work and talent have been recognised. He revealed that since joining Gunners, he has always wanted to see himself representing the country.
“Since it is my first call up, I will have to put an extra effort so that I get the chance to play. If I get that chance, then I have to ensure that I become a regular feature in the team,” he said, adding that his strategy has always been to do well for his team and the rest would follow.
“Now that I have been called up, it goes to show that I am moving somewhere with my football career,” he said.
Koobake has attributed his growth to several people including former coaches, Dragojlo Stanojlovic and Odirile Matlhaku.
“I remember sometime when Rollers were after my services. Matlhaku advised me against the move and told me there were several aspects of my game that he wanted to work on because he wanted me to play for the national team one day. Here I am,” he said.
The left back position has been a problematic area for the Zebras. At one point, Mosimanegape Ramohibidu was a regular before Edwin Olerile and Otlantshekela Mooketsi were called up.
Koobake has not only been good defender, but has also been providing crucial assists with his pinpoint crosses.
Zebras’ coach, Peter Butler has called several new faces including young players.
“We have been monitoring these players for the last 12 months and they have been doing well. I am optimistic about the future of this team,” he said.
Some of the players, who include Unabatsho Mbaiwa (BMC), Ezekiel Morake (FC Satmos) and Tapiwa Gadibolae of Township Rollers are part of the Under-23 team preparing for the All Africa Games and Olympic qualifiers.
The Under-23 team has already started its camp and other senior players will join the trio on March 22 for the senior national team camp. Other notable new faces in the team include Gaborone United goalkeeper, Goitseone Phoko who has been in devastating form for his club.
Phoko was thrown into the deep end early this season following the departure of Noah Maposa at GU and grabbed the opportunity with both hands. He has been one of the outstanding players in the league this season.
Hard-tackling midfielder, Ofentse ‘Size 10’ Nato returns following fruitful talks with the technical team. Butler confirmed the development yesterday saying they managed to talk to the player and will be part of the team.
“We discussed the matter and there is no problem as we speak. He is coming back,” Butler told Mmegi Sport yesterday.
Nato had a fallout with some members of the technical committee ahead of the 2-0 African Nations Cup qualifier loss to Egypt. He reportedly refused to apologise and left the team’s camp before flying out to India to join his Atletico de Kolkata teammates.
Nato was allegedly accused of arriving at camp drunk, something the player strongly denied.
Nato’s return is expected to provide the much-needed stability and experience in the midfield. He is currently playing for GU on loan, since the Indian Super League is off-season.
Full Zebras squad:
Goalkeepers: Phoko (GU), Kabelo Dambe (Platinum Stars), Boipelo Kealeboga (Galaxy), Morake (FC Satmos)
Defenders: Obuile Ncenga (Township Rollers), Richard Legwaila (Nico United), Thato Kebue (Motlakase), Gadibolae (Township Rollers), Kaone Vanderwesthuzen (Letlapeng), Keobake (Extension Gunners), Gogontle Marumo (Notwane), Mosha Gaolaolwe (BDF XI), Mosimanegape Ntwaetsile (Extension Gunners), Obonye Moswate (Township Rollers)
Midfielders: Nato (GU), Bonolo Phuduhudu (BDF XI), Alphonse Modisaotsile (GU), Lemponye Tshireletso (Chiefs), Kabelo Seakanyeng (BDF XI), Segolame Boy (Township Rollers), Mpho Kgaswane (GU), Topo Piet (Extension Gunners), Joel Mogorosi (Bloemfontein Celtic), Lebogang Ditsile (Letlapeng), Mogogi Gabonamong (Bloem Celtic), Michael Pillar (Extension Gunners), Galabgwe Moyana (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Letlhogonolo Senwelo (Police XI)
Strikers: Omaatla Kebatho (Sankoyo Bush Bucks), Onkabetse Makgantai (Nico United), Mbaiwa (BMC)