Players who hold the key in tomorrow's clash

BOITUMELO KHUTSAFALO
Staff Writer | Friday September 3, 2010 00:00

Marumo has played in one of the most competitive leagues in Africa with Harass El Hodood in Egypt and has gained a lot of experience.  The good thing about the Zebras central defence of Mompati Thuma and Ndiyapo Letsholathebe is that they have been playing together for a long time and it will be easy for Marumo to communicate effectively with them.

Jerome RamatlhakwanaCoach Stanley Tshosane took a big gamble when he called Ramatlhakwana to camp ahead of the national team's trip to Tunisia although the bustling striker had not been in action for a long time at Cape Town Santos, but it has worked. Many observers, including media analysts, questioned his call up but he has so far been the most prolific striker for the Zebras. Having scored a crucial goal in Tunisia, Ramatlhwakwana went on to register another important goal in Malawi. Before the Malawi game, he scored during a friendly match against Zimbabwe in Selebi-Phikwe. There is no doubt that he will be one of the key players in tomorrow's big clash. His physical presence is always felt and with Togo expected to play a physical game, Ramatlhakwana will be the ideal starter upfront.

Boitumelo MafokoMafoko missed the Zebras' first two games because of injury and his return came at a crucial time. Mafoko's return in the holding midfield role could make the job much easier for the defenders as well as the attackers. Mafoko returned for the Zebras' encounter against the Malawi Flames. Ofentse Nato and Patrick Motsepe have been doing a sterling job in the middle of the park but Mafoko's return should be a bigger morale-booster.

Phenyo MongalaMzambiya has been a revelation for the Zebras in this campaign. He only missed the game against Malawi because of food poisoning, but his trickery and speed could just be what the Zebras need to unlock the Togolese defence. The nippy winger has not been getting enough game time at his South African club, Orlando Pirates but he has never failed to impress for the Botswana national side.

TogoSalifou MoustaphaThe Aston Villa midfielder is one of the most experienced players in the current Togolese squad. He has played 46 times for his country.  Moustapha was in the squad that featured at the 2006 World Cup in Germany where he played all the games. He was also part of the squad that was subjected to attacks by gunmen in Cabinda at this year's AFCON finals in Angola. His experience would call for the likes of Mafoko to be on top of their game tomorrow.

Serge GakpeThe young striker could be one of the secret weapons for Togo. Born in France of Togolese parents, he decided to play for Togo. It is said that his exploits in the French League with Monaco have caught the attention of many prominent European clubs such as English sides Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspurs, and Spanish giants Barcelona.

Alaixys Romao Another naturalised player is midfielder Alaixys Romao, who plays for Liorent in the French Ligue One. Although he played for the French Under-18 team, the France born player is now a member of the Togolese national squad. He has 14 caps for Togo. 

Dare NibombeDare Nibombe is a defender who is currently playing for FK Baku in Azerbaijan. He is a very experienced player with 52 caps and two goals for his country. He was part of the 2006 World Cup squad. His experience could be a major obstacle for the Zebras' attackers.