Addressing the media at Lekedi Centre yesterday, Rowe said the Zebras' failure to convert chances is giving him sleepless nights. He said he was not amused in the match against South Africa last Monday night when his strikers missed clear-cut chances that an ordinary player can slot home easily. He is worried that his side has been hit by a spate of injuries. Some of the injured players are Dirang Moloi, Tshepo 'Talk Talk' Motlhabankwe, Jerome Ramatlhakwana and Shoes Motlhabane. "I would have loved to play this game with players like Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane, Mogogi Gabonamong and Modiri Marumo but unfortunately the players are busy at their respective leagues outside the country," he said. Selolwane and Gabonamong ply their trade in South Africa while Marumo is in Egypt.
Rowe said the congested domestic calendar affects the national team preparations but there is nothing he can do about it. "Zebras has to be given a chance to prepare but again without the Premier League, there is no Zebras," he said.He said that though Zambia is one of the strongest sides in the region, the Zebras can outwit them. Though he has been heavily criticised for his team's dismal performance, Rowe maintains that his arrival here has been good for local football and the country has even improved its international ranking. He dismissed calls to make changes in the squad. "It would be foolish for me to change the squad regularly. I strongly believe that this team is the best and it consists of best players in the country," he said. He admitted that his job is challenging and there is too much pressure. Meanwhile, prices for the game are P70 for the grand stand, P40 for Pandamatenga and P30 elsewhere. Kick-off is 7pm.
