Koko snubbed as Powell replaces injured Mogorosi

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Friday January 20, 2012 00:00

 

Mogorosi has been ruled out of Botswana's maiden Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, which kick off tomorrow in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. But when everyone expected Township Rollers' speed merchant, Sekhana Koko, to be called in as a replacement, coach Stanley Tshosane has snubbed him again, opting for a defensive player, Abednico Powell. 

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, David Fani confirmed that Powell would leave this morning to link up with the team in Gabon. 'Arrangements are being made for Powell to leave tomorrow (Friday),' Fani told Mmegi Sport in Gaborone yesterday.

Fani said the association was still in consultation with the medical team as to whether it was ideal for Mogorosi to return home. 'We will see, we first have to be advised by the medical team if it's advisable for him to travel, but we will also consider whether it's advisable for him to come back immediately,' he said.

Koko, who sounded doubtful about his chances of a call-up early yesterday, had indicated his willingness to step in and replace his former Rollers team-mate.

Meanwhile, the Zebras will wrap up their Douala preparations today and Tshosane said he has accomplished his mission.

The national team has been in Douala since January 10 and played a friendly against Cameroon's elite league runners-up, Les Astres FC on Tuesday. The match ended in a 1-1 draw with BDF XI defensive linkman Patrick Motsepe scoring for the Zebras.

BDF XI defender Mompathi Thuma played the full 90 minutes after recovering from a hamstring injury, that threatened to sideline him from the team's AFCON debut. His recovery comes as a boost to Tshosane who already has to do without Mogorosi for the entire tournament and his most experienced player, Diphetogo Selolwane, who misses the first game due to suspension.

Tshosane sang his players' praises: 'I was impressed with the players - they were focused, disciplined and showed commitment all the way. So I am very satisfied with the overall outcome, I believe we are prepared for the AFCON.'

Tshosane said Selolwane had accepted his fate after receiving news that he would have to watch the Ghana tie from the terraces owing to suspension.

'I believe from the 22 players that we have we will find a replacement. Of course, Dipsy was instrumental during the qualifiers, but since he is not there we have to find a solution,' he said.He added that the players were motivated ahead of the opening tie against the Black Stars.

'The morale is very high in camp and they are looking forward to the game, we respect them (Ghana), but we have prepared well for a win, draw or loss. Irrespective of the outcome we are satisfied with our preps because everything has gone according to plan.'