Question marks over Vultures� squad
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday June 23, 2017 14:42
The technical team has come under heavy criticism regarding the players in the squad.
Some critics argue that some of the players do not deserve to be on the team. There is a claim that some deserving players are sidelined simply “because they play for wrong teams”.
BDF Cheetahs have been particularly affected with only four players in the squad, despite boasting of some fine talent. Long serving Vultures players, Lempaletse Ngaka and Omphile Dabula, have been left out.
Vultures captain, Eddie Ernest told Mmegi Sport yesterday that the coach, Ivor Greaves is trying out different combinations. The Vultures have played and lost against Zimbabwe, Impala and Leopards.
“He has included a lot of young players in the squad and I think he is building the team for the future. We cannot expect the team to bring results now,” he said.
Ernest said in the past three international friendly matches, the coach used different players. Regarding the mood in the camp, Ernest said it was tough on the players as some of those who normally get national team call-up such as Ngaka are out.
“The technical team has already made up its mind and even when I try to offer advice as the captain, they remain rigid. Cheetahs have the best scrum in the country and the coach is not taking advantage of that. The leading try scorer in the league, James Samoeka has also been left out,” he said.
Greaves defended his selection and said his charges have proven that they are ready for the Africa Cup because they were able to withstand the pressure from the physical teams they played. He said the physical matches were important to prepare for opponents such as Ivory Coast.
With only two weeks left before the championships, Greaves said his main reason for including youngsters was to give them an opportunity to prove themselves.
“I have been trying out different combinations in the friendly matches we have had. I now have an idea where I can play them. The Africa Cup needs players with experience and we have such players in the squad,” Greaves said.
Regarding the exclusion of Samoeka, Greaves said the player is a central player and he has an able replacement.
Botswana has set a target of 30 medals out of the 40 athletes who would be competing. Six coaches (two for infants, two for Under 21 and two for senior national team), six referees and four managers have been deployed to Maputo.
Meanwhile, Sensei Million Maswimbika is unopposed for the position of Region V president. The region holds an elective general meeting this evening.