Zebras Show Their Stripes In Nigeria

MONKAGEDI GAOTLHOBOGWE
Staff Writer | Monday November 14, 2011 00:00

 

It was a game the Nigerians desperately needed to win. First the Nigerian side needed to welcome their newly appointed coach, Steven Keshi, with a victory. The new coach also went all out to select a certain crop of players plying their trade in Europe, especially in the English Premiership, as if to ensure victory in his first game.

Kabelo DambeHe was undoubtedly a marvel to watch. The Township Rollers number one, who is still in his teens, frustrated Nigerians with his acrobatic saves and alertness. When they thought he was beaten, Dambe 'the Cat' always pulled own magic to keep the Zebras' pride intact. He is number three in the Zebras team after number one Modiri Marumo, number two Noah Maposa, who were both unavailable for the watershed match.

Joel Mogorosi

But it was Botswana who were the first to unsettle the new coach when Joel Mogorosi's goal bound header went over the bar having beaten the experienced World Cup goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeimba. Mogorosi's pace proved a handful for the Nigerians throughout the game.

Ofentse Nato

Then 22-year-old Ofentse Nato proved his class as he bulldozed the heavily built Nigerians in the middle of the park, leaving them nursing several injuries. Nato summed up his class against Nigeria when he turned around with four defenders into the box and shot for goal, although the shot went wide on that slippery pitch.

Boitumelo Mafoko

He proved he is the type of destroyer that the Zebras is so blessed to have. Mafoko, like Nato, are not just ball winners, but their use of the ball, and their attack of the space, especially against Nigeria, made any Zebras' fan proud.

Mompati Thuma

Captain Mompati Thuma was unshakable in defence as he warded off one barrage of Nigerian attacks after the other. Thuma even cleared a goal- bound shot off the line at one point as he proved his class against the Super Eagles' talented forwards.

Ndiapo Letsholathebe & Talk-Talk Motlhabankwe

The two Zebras defenders had a calming effect at the back. They remained calm, but effective against a desperate side itching for a goal to appease the yelling fans.

Jerome Ramatlhakwana

He was ever running. Dropped deep to assist midfield teammates and showed good touches. Ramatlhakwana is impressive with his ball receiving and using skills. He seemed to enjoy himself against the highly rated Nigerians.

Unfazed

The Zebras proved they can also play one-twos as they weaved sequences of moves against such a talented and feared African powerhouse. 'AFCON here we come'.