Butler�s Twitter comments torch angry reactions
Spira Tlhankane | Tuesday June 30, 2015 18:02
Since the end of the season, the Zebras gaffer has been trying to justify the exclusion of Galenamotlhale from the Zebras setup. Butler was quoted in a local newspaper saying Galenamotlhale did not even deserve to be the player of the season.
Chiefs responded on their Facebook page expressing dismay and shock over Butler’s alleged statement. “This revelation is shocking and disrespectful to the Magosi family and football lovers in general.
The conduct of the national team coach should be condemned with the utmost contempt as this does not build but destroys players whose livelihood is football and aspire that one day will don the national team jersey with pride and based on merit.”
Moreover, the club clearly expressed their concern over the absence of Magosi players in the national team. “We have been wondering why all of a sudden we do not have representatives in the national team set up and today’s utterances by the national team coach have answered us,” the Facebook status read.
In the post, the club expressed shock at the exclusion of players like Mara Moloi, Galabgwe Moyana, Keabetswe Jenamiso, and Lemponye Tshireletso who helped Magosi win the beMOBILE Premier League title. The club said Butler’s comments could be attributed to some hate and discriminatory tendencies and biasness.
“We will be following this with a written complaint. Lesego Galenamotlhale was selected by a competent panel as a player of the season and was selected by the majority of Batswana as supporters player of the season and deserves respect for that achievement,” it continued. The club has since threatened to withdraw its players from participating in the national team.
In response, Butler wrote on his Twitter account, “I don’t get involved in petty issues with clubs management trying to create hysteria, like it or lump it and get on with it - that’s life”.
He continued to say that if a player gets a national team call-up it is his decision if he wishes to accept. He said life would go on without Galenamotlhale. “We move on! Loads of talent in Botswana last night was a great example, future is bright,” the tweet reads.
Former Zebras player, Diphetogo ‘Dipsy’ Selolwane went on Facebook to publicly criticise Butler for what he termed a “lack of respect for local players”.
“Butler this time I can’t keep quite. You are out of line like you’ve been for a long time. You are not the first guy to come coach in Botswana, nor the last. The least you can do is respect us and our players. Just wish your record spoke as much as you do,” Selolwane said.
The former Zebras stalwart confirmed to Mmegi Sport he posted the comments on Facebook and said he believes players should be treated with respect.