Paul exits a disgruntled man
Tumelo Mouwane | Thursday May 21, 2015 12:01
Five players, were plucked from the Under-23 side, which Paul argued had affected his side ahead of a critical Olympic Games qualifier against Zambia tomorrow night.
“I was never part of the selection. I do not want to talk further about it. A team is made out of combinations and it takes time to build a good a team.
“We never had a friendly game prior to the Friday encounter, but when we fail my name will be mentioned,” he said.
Despite Paul’s frustrations, BFA technical director, Ben Kgomela said a compromise was reached. “We involved both coaches in the squad selection. There was a total of 10 players involved in both the Under-23 and senior team. “We agreed that the national team takes five of those players while the other five remained with the Under-23.
“Paul has been traveling across the country looking for players, so there are plenty of options. “We respect both the competitions and we treat both of them equally, so we cannot say the other one should be given preference,” Kgomela said.
Kgomela said even with the controversy around team selection, the coaches are expected to meet expectations.
“With the players that Pio Paul has in his squad, we are anticipating a positive result from their game while Peter Butler has been given an assignment of returning home with the COSAFA Cup,” Kgomela added.
Despite the upheavels, Paul had promised to do well against Zambia.
“Besides all that happened in the past few days we are ready for the Zambia encounter. We know how Zambia plays. Unlike Kenya, their youth development is good.
“Most of their young players play professional football, but we are not scared. We have assembled a new team.
“There are no other injuries. We have forgotten about those in the national team,” he said, before his dismissal.
Under-23 captain Thato Kebue said the players are ready to fight on Friday.
Meanwhile, the women’s team clash against their Kenyan counterparts at Lobatse Sports Complex on Friday in a bid to qualify for the Olympic Games to be held in Rio next year.
Their coach, Gaolethoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutlwisang said they are ready for the Kenyans.
“There are only two changes due to injuries. We are focused and ready for Kenya although we do not know their style of play,” Nkutlwisang said.
His vice captain, Kgomotso Molefe said morale was high in the camp.
Under-23 squad:
Goalkeepers: Ezekiel Morake, Goitseone Phoko, Bophelo Kealeboga.
Defenders: Kebue, Thato Mogorosi. Oabile Makopo, Kagiso Dithebe, Bogosi Kaekwe
MIddlefilders: Emmanuel Machinya, Michael Pillar, Karabo Phiri, Obonye Maome, Lebogang Ditsele, Gape Mohutsiwa, Thatayaone Ramatlapeng, Senwelo Letlhogonolo, Ogomoditse Bauline, Allen Ndodole
Strikers: Langa Mabuli , Makgantai Onkabetse, and Unobatsha Mbaiwa. Ramasa Kennnedy
Women’s squad:
Goalkeepers: Sedilame Bosija, Refilwe Tshambani, Peggy Segokgo
Strikers: Lesego Keleboge, Kitso Sheba, Thuto Ramafifi, Refilwe Matlho, Chedza Katsibe, Amogelang Moahi, Nondi Mahlasela,
Defenders: Kgomotso Molefe, Veronica Mogotsi, Tlamelo Motlhale, Nancy Baeletsi, Masego Montsho.
Midfielders: Bonang Otlhagile, Boitumelo Gammu, Thuso Leseaane, Golebaone Selebatso, Kesegofetse Moshawe, Lebogang Setereke