Butler�s frustrations grow as Comoros loom
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday March 15, 2016 14:00
The coach was already facing the headache of playing Comoros without a friendly match and now will have little time to prepare his Zebras for next week’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
Already, the Zebras coach has reportedly turned down an opportunity to play Lesotho in friendly match, arguing it was not progressive. The BFA failed to secure matches with Butler’s preferred opponents; Zambia and Kenya.
The BPL is making efforts to shift Sunday matches so that the weekend’s Premiership programme is concluded on Saturday, which would give the Zebras an extra day to prepare.
“The (BPL) board insisted the programme continues but we are trying to see if we cannot move Sunday matches. We are mindful of the needs of the national team but my hands are tied,” BPL chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi said yesterday.
The Zebras are expected to leave for Comoros on Tuesday meaning they will only have one day to prepare before flying out.
But a BPL board member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said there was no need for the coach to complain about the Premiership programme.
“We never promised to cancel the matches. The clubs complained that they if the matches are postponed, it will mean almost a month without action for some clubs. Considering that they survive through gate takings, this was going to be unfair. Again, it’s best practice everywhere the weekend matches are on. Even the CAF Champions League will be played this weekend,” said the member.
He said when Butler was appointed he said he only needs two or three days with the players.
“Again, some of the players he has picked are not regulars at their clubs so it will be easy to secure their release,” the member added.