Slow start to Zebras' camp

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Thursday May 30, 2013 00:00

The Zebras had been scheduled to go into camp on Sunday, but Tshosane had to push it forward to Tuesday for local-based players and yesterday for South Africa-based stars.Tshosane's camp plans were further stalled by the unavailability of DR Congo-based trio of Dirang Moloi, Phenyo Mongala and Jerome Ramatlhakwana. The newly-signed FC Don Bosco trio faced flight challenges and are only expected in the country tomorrow.

'We have a bit of challenge because we planned with the impression that there would be no midweek league games this week. But now that midweek games are on, our preparations are a bit disrupted,' Tshosane told Mmegi Sport.Gaborone United (GU) play Notwane at 7:00 pm on Wednesday at Molepolole Sport Complex while Township Rollers wrap up their campaign with a tie against TAFIC at the same venue.The setback meant Tshosane had to do without the GU quartet of Noah Maposa, Alphonse Modisaotsile, Tebogo Sembowa and Moemedi Moatlhaping yesterday.

In fact, Moatlhaping, according to Tshosane, will not be joining camp after the game because he has asked to be excused. Today, Tshosane will have to release Rollers' trio of Ntesang Simanyana, Obuile Ncenga and Edwin Olerile for their league tie against TAFIC.'We expect the South Africa-based players to join us today.We had given them some rest since they just arrived in the country for the off-season break,' he said.However, Tshosane is unlikely to have Mogogi Gabonamong by his Wednesday deadline. 

Gabonamong took part in the Nedbank Cup final and his club's awards ceremony early this week. He was to stick around in South Africa as his agent negotiates a new deal for him with SuperSport and two other South African clubs. 'We are aware Mogogi was playing in the final, but we also expect him in camp on Wednesday (today).'Tshosane stressed he would not accept anyone who comes in after last night, save for the DR Congo duo who had flight problems. 

The camp is scheduled to run up to June 16 with a friendly international against Egypt confirmed.They play the Pharaohs on June 4 in Cairo in preparation for both Ethiopia and Central African Republic games.The two World Cup qualifiers are set for June 8 and 15 respectively at the New Lobatse Stadium.The team leaves for Cairo on Sunday and will return on Wednesday to finalise their preparations.