Butler keen on Zebras return
Mqondisi Dube | Friday March 1, 2019 11:40
Butler was in charge of the Zebras between February 2014 and June 2017, and left to join South African side, Platinum Stars. With the search for a new coach expected to gather pace in the coming weeks, Butler has already sent his resume to the Botswana Football Association (BFA). “I have submitted my CV and I would be very proud to lead the nation again if required. I took the team to 86 in the FIFA rankings, helped identify and develop many good young players like Ramaroka, Kgaswane and Makgantai,” Butler said.
He said the decision to pick the new coach will be down to BFA and president, Maclean Letshwiti.
“I don’t make that decision. It is down to the president, Letshwiti. I feel the qualities I bring, that is, the UEFA Pro Licence, international coaching experience can only benefit the association, plus my ability to go nationwide searching for talent.”
Butler reached the finals of the COSAFA Cup in 2016 in Namibia, becoming the first coach to do so. However, Africa Cup of Nations qualification eluded him, but claimed the scalps of giants, Mali and Burkina Faso in a lively period in 2015.
While Butler has raised his hand, former coach, Jelusic Veselin appears to be the front-runner for a return.
Veselin had a stint with the Zebras between 2003 and 2006 where he enjoyed relative success despite failure to take the team to any major final.
The BFA is in the process of appointment an interim technical team to take charge of the Zebras against Angola in Francistown later this month. A substantive coach is expected before the African Nations Championships (CHAN) start in June.