The new Zebras coach Adel Amrouche promised to enforce disciplinary measures in the team's set up.
Football remains the most popular sport in the country and the Zebras’ should be the nation’s pride in terms keeping highest standards of discipline.
However since the 2012 AFCON, when they qualified for their maiden continental spectacle, the team has repeatedly failed to reach the same heights. At the time the problem was deemed to be an on field issue; three coaches since the historic qualification in 2011 have failed to sort out the mess once and for all.
But the Belgian gaffer seems to have found the remedy to this reoccurring problem. Amrouche known for a ‘strict father’ style of player management’ has taken the first step in shaking up the team. The issue has been the players’ off field behaviours.
The indiscipline has been recurring over the years. Last October, ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Burkina Faso, hard tacking midfielder was axed from the team for sneaking in women and alcohol in to the team’s camp.
In 2016, the Zebras players were caught in the team regalia buying booze at one of the liquor outlets in Francistown. Despite the ever-increasing cases of indiscipline, the Botswana Football Association had proven to be rather lenient in their punishment or response to the issue.
We take the view that the new gaffer should be lauded for his rather firm approach, as he said the national team camp is not a holiday. The Zebras setup needs players who will represent the country with pride and discipline.
In line with the new order, this week, Amrouche suspended four key players for boozing on camp. The quartet has been given a chance to sort out their behaviour. Under the new technical team, it is very clear that no player is above the national team despite whatever influence the player might have in team.
While welcome the new order we acknowledge that the late payment of allowances and lack of proper preparations for games have affected the Zebras’ performances. But once the off field issues are resolved, with the discipline being foremost. It will now be down to the coach to do his talking on the field.
The latest Zebras’ squad brings hope to nation. The majority of the team is young and hungry players. This could be remedy, to bring that hunger and desire to perform better for the Blue, Black and White. They reignite memories of Stan Tshosane’s Zebras.
The team played under dire straits that include poor preparation and late payments of allowances. So a pat on the shoulder for coach Adel for competing his first task is reshaping the team and hopefully the Zebras would be mighty again.
Today’s thought
“Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak, and esteem to all.”
– George Washington
