SA-based Zebras stars join Kenya camp

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Tuesday September 4, 2012 00:00

 

The national team  pitched camp in Nairobi last week ahead of the crucial qualifier set for Bamako on Saturda.Zebras' coach, Stanley Tshosane yesterday confirmed the arrival of five of his PSL-based stars, Mogogi Gabonamong (SuperSport United), Joel Mogorosi (Bloemfontein Celtic), Ofentse Nato (Bidvest Wits) and the Platinum Stars duo of Kabelo Dambe and Mogakolodi Ngele.But Tshosane still awaits the arrival of chief striker, Jerome 'JJ' Ramatlhakwana who is undergoing trial in Saudi Arabia as well as veteran goalkeeper, Modiri Marumo of Bay United. 

'Our preparations for Saturday's game are well on course and some of the South Africa-based players have joined us here in Nairobi. Marumo is the only South Africa-based player yet to join us and JJ has not told us when he is arriving, but it must be before Thursday,' Tshosane told Mmegi Sport.The five PSL stars trained with the rest of the squad yesterday morning and Tshosane said he was happy with their response to training. He added that he was conducting training sessions cautiously as he fears that some of his stars may end up picking up injuries.'I'm very happy with their response, we trained with them this morning(yesterday) and I'm hoping we won't have any injuries this week,' he said.The team was boosted by the recovery of Patrick Motsepe, Tebogo Sembowa and Lemponye Tshireletso, who had all been struggling with injuries. The trio trained with the rest of the squad yesterday.

According to Tshosane, Marumo arrives in Nairobi today, while JJ is expected in camp any time this week for the all-important match at the Stade 26 Mars in Bamako. Stade 26 Mars was confirmed as the venue for the game despite early concerns of a high threat from terrorism in the West African country. Although the situation in Bamako has stabilised, it reportedly remains a little volatile.Tshosane said they were happy with the feedback brought by the Botswana Football Association advance team from Mali.The Zebras play a practice match tonight against a Kenyan club, which will be their last training game before Saturday's tie.The team leaves Nairobi on Thursday for Bamako.