Blow for Young Zebras

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Wednesday October 6, 2010 00:00

 

The Young Zebras host Namibia at the new Lobatse Stadium with the availability of Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele and Thato 'Yellow' Bolweleng in doubt as they are under suspension from their club, Uniao Framengo Santos.

The pair is presently at the centre of a wrangle between Santos and Township Rollers. Young Zebras' coach, Daniel 'Chicco' Nare has said they respect Santos' decision and they will not use the players against Namibia.

'Our preparations have not gone the way we would have wanted because there is no Tsotso (Ngele) and Yellow (Thato Bolweleng). The two have been suspended by their club and we respect their (Santos) authority as a club,' Nare told Mmegi Sport.

The Extension Gunners' coach said they had informed the Botswana Football Association about the two players. Gaborone United (GU) midfield grafter, Ofentse 'Size 10' Nato, arguably the most experienced in the Under-23 team following his stint at the Zebras will have to pass a late fitness test. Nato, together with Gaopatwe Seosenyeng of BDF XI, are struggling with groin injuries.  

United States-based Aubrey Kebonnetse will miss the tie after failing to recover from a knee injury. Dayton University where the forceful former Township Rollers' striker is studying has agreed to release him for the tie only if he recovers in time. 'Aubrey has a knee injury and he is still going through rehabilitation so he will not make it for the match.

'He will only be available for the return leg in December,' Nare said.

The coach hopes to assess the team in friendly international matches.

Swaziland and South Africa had promised to play the Young Zebras in preparatory matches before opting out. The team will now face local clubs in their preparations.