Butler defends Galenamotlhale�s omission
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Wednesday June 10, 2015 15:55
The player was named the Player of the Season as well as the Supporters’ Player of the Season at beMOBILE Premier League awards over the weekend. Butler acknowledged that Galenamotlhale was a good player, but explained his absence was because Ofentse Nato, who played the same role, was a better player.
He also said besides Nato he prefers to call a young player like Lebogang Ditsele. He said the door is not closed for Galenamotlhale and he could be considered for the African Nations Championship (CHAN). He said he always has two players for each position where the other one would be experienced, while the other is his understudy with age still on his side.
He said in his eyes, Galenamotlhale is not a young player, but said he might have been invited to the current camp if the game against Uganda did not come so soon after the COSAFA Senior Challenge. Galenamotlhale is credited with giving league champions, Chiefs shape in the midfield on their way to winning the title.
Famous for playing a more attacking role for in the previous season, Chiefs coach, Mike Sithole converted him to a holding midfield role in the past season. This was after the departure of Zimbabwean midfielder, Elvis Meleka. After bagging two awards last weekend, Galenamotlhale expressed his desire to represent the country at national level.
Butler trimmed his squad to 20 as they leave for Uganda today for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier. The game kicks off at 4pm at the Mandela National Stadium on Saturday.
“I know a lot about Uganda. They are quite a powerful and physical side, but we will have a positive approach against them,” Butler said yesterday.
Meanwhile, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) has appointed Oris Radipotsane as the new Zebras assistant coach. He replaces Keitumetse ‘Pio’ Paul who was sacked recently following his comments on the national Under-23 players who were called up to the senior team while the Young Zebras had a crucial encounter. Radipotsane led his team, Jwaneng Galaxy to the Premier League promotion.
The full squad
Goalkeepers: Mwampule Masule, Kabelo Dambe
Defenders: Mosha Gaolaolwe, Katlego Koobake, Obuile Ncenga, Obonye Moswate, Tapiwa Gadibolae, Lopang Mosige, Tebogo Sosome, Edwin Olerile
Midfielders: Joel Mogorosi, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Lebogang Ditsile, Ofentse Nato, Mogakolodi Ngele, Segolame Boy, Mpho Kgaswane
Striker: Onkabetse Makgantai, Omaatla Kebatho, Hendrick Moyo