Gabonamong rediscovers his form

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Friday February 22, 2008 00:00

 

Since the arrival of David Bright at the club, Gabonamong has put up some brilliant performances, scoring spectacular goals along the way.

In the three games he has played this year after the African Nations Cup (AFCON) break, Gabonamong has netted thrice. The former Township Rollers' marksman scored in their 4-1 loss to Free State Stars on February 13 on Bright's debut at the club. But it was his brace against Moroka Swallows in their 4-1 triumph on Wednesday night which has set people talking. Gabonamong has netted five goals so far this season and is raring to go for more in the remaining fixtures. Under the tutelage of caretaker coach Jean-Marc Ithier, Gabonamong was almost becoming a forgotten man but things seem to have dramatically changed for the better since Bright's arrival.

In a telephone interview from Johannesburg yesterday, Gabonamong said that he is excited about his new lease of life at Santos. 'Coaches are different and the good thing is that Bright knows me and has given more room to add numbers when we attack,' he said. Gabonamong further said that his sparkling is due to the system Bright has introduced.

Gabonamong said that despite his good run, Bright has never said anything special to him upon arrival in Cape Town. 'I do not believe in getting favours from the coaches. I fight for my place in the team and carry out my duties, as assigned' he told Mmegi Sport. The Mahalapye-born star said that he wants to continue doing well for Santos as long as he remains fit.

This Sunday at Athlone Stadium, Santos face their toughest test of the year when they host red-hot Orlando Pirates. Under the tutelage of Owen da Gama, Pirates seem to have hit form and at the moment, it remains to be seen which side will stop them. Pirates outclassed Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on Wednesday night and are seen as favourites as they travel to the Cape. But Gabonamong is not worried. 'Pirates are like any other side and we will give them a run for their money. We have confidence right now and believe in each other and since we will be playing at home, that will make life more difficult for Pirates,' he said.

Meanwhile, Gabonamong highlighted that he is prepared to die for the Zebras in the upcoming 2010 World Cup/AFCON qualifiers. 'I am available to play for the Zebras unless the officials at BFA (Botswana Football Association) respect us and do things in the right manner. I am not talking about money here but overall attitude of BFA officials,' he said.

Gabonamong has clashed with BFA officials in the past over a number of issues. He even missed Zebras' 2-1 loss to South Africa during an international friendly game played in Durban.

Gabonamong further told Mmegi Sport that as players, they can qualify for 2010 AFCON in Angola but they are let down due to poor planning by the association. Just like what Ajax Cape Town's marksman Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane said recently, the Zebras have to get serious international games before the qualifiers. 'There is no point of playing the likes of Police XI when we prepare for serious games,' he said.