Zebras face hapless Sihlangu

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Wednesday October 27, 2010 00:00

 

Never mind that it is a preparatory match, as a win will cement their recent meteoric rise that has seen them shoot to the top of Group K in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Interestingly, the Zebras were in Equatorial Guinea a fortnight ago without head coach Stanley Tshosane and their South Africa-based stars, save for Mogogi Gabonamong, and still managed to post a 2-0 win.

Tshosane was excited by the win and believes it signalled that everyone has embraced the winning culture that has been built up over the last few months. Against this backdrop, he would want his charges to post a victory in tonight's tie.

Zebras' first choice goalkeeper Modiri Marumo is also convinced a win will boost the locally-based players' confidence ahead of next month's tricky tie against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.

'I wish the (locally-based) guys all the best when they play Swaziland. It is important to win all the games that we play, be it a friendly or not,' said Marumo, who will not be part of the team today.

 Tshosane is on record as saying that he is taking the game seriously as he wants to try out his fringe players.The veteran gaffer has called youngsters including Gaborone United (GU) defender Kaelo Kgaswane, who is a member of the national Under-23 side.

Notably, the coach has recalled Ecco City  striker Bonolo Fraizer and it remains to be seen whether he will give him a run. Early this year, Fraizer said he would not honour a national team call-up as long as Tshosane was in charge.

Mochudi Centre Chiefs' wing wizard Pontsho Moloi may get a chance to reclaim his starting berth. He went down the pecking order following Township Rollers' skipper Joel Mogorosi's outstanding performances, both in club and national colours.

In the absence of Marumo, Chiefs' shot-stopper Noah Maposa will guard the goalposts while captain Mompati Thuma will lead the team from the back.

On the side, Sihlangu coach Musa Zwane will have to do without Mbabane Swallows' fiery winger Darren 'Dazza' Christie who was dropped from the travelling party due to injury. After a disastrous start to their AFCON qualifiers losing to Ghana (0-3) at home and away to Congo/Brazzaville (3-1), Sihlangu is on the verge of elimination.