Kavazovic moans as 10 players make Zebras cut
Kabelo Boranabi | Tuesday November 7, 2017 15:14
Rollers face a long season, as they are to compete in three competitions; the league, Mascom Top 8 and the CAF Champions League. The team is set to play 45 games in just eight months, if they make it to the Mascom Top 8 final and qualify for the group stages of the club continental tournament.
When asked about the situation after his team’s 3-2 win over Security Systems on Sunday afternoon, Kavazovic said he has been banned from commenting on the Zebras, the Botswana Football Association, league teams and the referees. But when pushed further he said he felt powerless over the disastrous situation and hoped his players would return from national duty injury free.
“I am not allowed to comment on the Botswana national team, the Botswana football federation, the referees and other teams. What can I do? Look, from my point of view that is disaster; from point of view of my president and everybody at the club, it is disaster for us. But from point of view of the country I felt that as I played for the national team of my country (and) there is nothing more beautiful (than that). I don’t think it would (affect the team in the long run), if they don’t catch some injuries, I am fine because we (Rollers) are resting them properly,” he said.
Zebras coach, David Bright has called goalkeeping duo of Kabelo Dambe and Mwampule Masule despite warming the bench at Popa, as Kavazovic prefers the young Keeagile Kgosipula who has conceded just five goals in eight games. Also in the list is central defensive pair of Simisane Mathumo and Mosha Gaolaolwe, left back Edwin Olerile, Maano Ditshupo, Edwin Moalosi, Jerome Ramatlhakwana, Segolame Boy and Motsholetsi Sikele. Rollers contribute 39% of Bright’s squad, with Gaborone United (GU) second with four players.
Meanwhile, South African-based duo, Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele and Lebogang Ditsele have been left out of Bright’s 26-man squad.
Tsotso is yet to make an appearance for Pitso Mosimane’s Mamelodi Sundowns, as he awaits a permanent residence permit.
The attacking midfielder has since been training with the reserve side while Lebogang has been used sparingly by Highlands Park in the South African second tier league. Bright has dropped veteran defender, Tshepo Motlhabankwe and striker Onkabetse Makgantai who were part of the last national team selection in September.
The Zebras will return to Gabon three years since making their maiden AFCON appearance to face the Panthers who have drafted Borussia Dortmund’s top goal scorer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
The full Zebras squad
Goalkeepers: Masule, Dambe (both Rollers), Michael James (BDF XI)
Defenders: Gaolaolwe, Mathumo, Olerile (all Rollers), Kelapile Terata (BDF XI), Tebogo Sosome (Jwaneng Galaxy), Tapiwa Gadibolae, Katlego Masole (both Police XI).
Midfielders: Lesego Galenamotlhale (Chiefs), Ditshupo, Moalosi, Sikele, Boy (all Rollers), Mpho Kgaswane (Baroka FC, South Africa), Alphonse Modisaotsile, Thatayaone Kgamanyane (both GU), Kobamelo Kebaikanye (Orapa United), Thabang Sesenyi (Platinum Stars, South Africa), Keeagile Kobe 9BDF XI)
Strikers: Ramatlhakwana (Rollers), Bophelo Oaitse, Tumisang Orebonye (Both GU)