Zebras' foreign contingent arrives

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Tuesday November 16, 2010 00:00

 

SuperSport United forward Dipsy Selolwane was the last to arrive yesterday after featuring for his club in a 2-1 win over Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.

His fellow South Africa-based stars Boitumelo Mafoko and Mogogi Gabonamong of Santos, Orlando Pirates' Phenyo Mongala, Dirang Moloi of Vasco Da Gama, Bay United's Modiri Marumo and Jerome Ramatlhakwana are all in camp ready to do battle against the North Africans.

The seven joined their local-based team mates ahead of the crunch encounter. The team only held an afternoon session at the SSKB Stadium after resting in the morning following the 3-1 win over a Jwaneng Select XI in a practice match on Sunday.

National coach Stanley Tshosane was delighted to have all his foreign-based stars in camp.

'I had a chance of looking at Mzambiya and Jerome during the friendly match in Jwaneng. But we were a bit cautious trying to avoid last minute injuries.

'I am happy because all the boys are in camp and there are no signs of injury. Dirang is the only one who had a slight knock over the weekend but he looks fine. Again, it is good because all their teams did well during the weekend.'

Tshosane declared that his charges are ready for the former African champions.

Zebras' winger Pontsho Moloi is excited that most of the foreign-based players have been instrumental for their respective clubs. His young brother, Dirang, of Vasco da Gama played his third successive game for the Cape Town outfit at the weekend after getting his permits early last month.

Selolwane has been a regular feature at defending Absa league champions, SuperSport United, while Mogogi Gabonamong and Boitumelo Mafoko have also been pivotal for their Cape Town side. Moloi believes that should work to their advantage.

The Zebras host the Carthage Eagles hoping to cling to top spot in Group K. They lead the group with 10 points from four games while Tunisia are second with seven points. The home boys go into tomorrow's tie buoyed by their first leg surprise 1-0 victory over their much-fancied opponents in Tunis last July.