Tshosane optimistic ahead of big clash

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Wednesday November 17, 2010 00:00

 

 Tshosane believes his players have what it takes to overcome the African heavyweights.

'All the boys have arrived from their clubs in South Africa and right now we have an 18-man team that is ready for duty,' Tshosane told Mmegi Sport yesterday.

Zebras have seven players, Mogogi Gabonamong, Boitumelo Mafoko (both Cape Town Santos), Dirang Moloi, Jerome Ramatlhakwana (both Vasco Da Gama), Modiri Marumo (Bay United), Phenyo Mongala (Orlando Pirates) and Diphetogo Selowane (Supersport United) plying their trade in South Africa.

Tshosane said he has been monitoring the progress of the players in the South African league and has been impressed with what he has seen. Mafoko and Gabonamong had a fantastic game against Kaizer Chiefs last week while Moloi has been commanding a regular place in the starting line up at Vasco Da Gama since acquiring his work permit. Selowane arrived on Monday after yet another impressive performance for his side, Supersport United in the 2-1 victory against Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday. Although Mongala and Ramatlhakwane have not been playing at their clubs, they have been doing well for the national team.

'The spirit is high and you can easily see that these boys really want to win this match,' Tshosane said. He expects a tough match as the Tunisians will be keen to get three points.

'It would be very good for us if we win this game because that would mean we open the gap at the top while Tunisia also want to win so that they are level on points with us,' he said. Tunisia trail the Zebras by three points with four games still to play.