"There are lots of players in each position and there is competition. It would have been nice to play Zambia (in a friendly) to assess some players," he said. But the Briton said that he cannot complain because he has been with the players for two weeks. Rowe's charges face hosts South Africa in the second COSAFA Castle Cup semi-final on September 29. He is not likely to make any surprise inclusions in his squad, which will possibly face Egypt in Cairo two weeks later in an African Cup of Nations qualifier. The Zebras were expected to take on Zambia in an international friendly at the National Stadium next Wednesday but the game has been called off. It is understood that the Zambians changed their mind fearing that they might get injuries ahead of their COSAFA Cup semi-final clash with Mozambique.
Zebras' marksman Diphetogo Selolwane arrived in the country on Sunday and is expected to lead the Zebras' attack against the South Africans. At the time of going to press, it was not yet clear if midfielder Mogogi Gabonamong will join the squad. Rowe did not want to be drawn into discussing Gabonamong's fate. He referred Mmegi Sport to Botswana Football Association (BFA) secretariat. Gabonamong announced recently that he will rejoin the Zebras after almost a year's absence. The defender-turned-midfielder and Selolwane quit the national team after a dispute over allowances.
