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Mahoto looks to exorcise Shilinde ghost

New addition: Mahoto was called up to the Zebras for the Angola game PIC: BFA
New addition: Mahoto was called up to the Zebras for the Angola game PIC: BFA

Botswana has not been so lucky with getting some of its players born in the country but based abroad, to feature for the Zebras. At some stage, such a desperate attempt once gave birth to the infamous 2013 Bobby Shilinde debacle. However, latest recruit, Ethany Mahoto wants to be a success story following his recent call-up, reports Mmegi Staffer, MQONDISI DUBE

Any call-up of a player with Botswana links but now living abroad brings the comical and to a lesser extent, painful memories of the Shilinde saga. The ‘player’s representative’ Comfort ‘Big Fish’ Ramatebele thought he had made a big catch when he lured the supposedly excellent AFC Wimbledon player.

However, it did not need a second chance to convince then Zebras coach, Stanley Tshosane that Shilinde was not a football player. The saga threw football into some soul-searching as questions were asked about how someone who had masqueraded as a football player had received a national team call-up.

Editor's Comment
Justice delayed is trust denied

Batswana who marched peacefully for 'Justice for Tshepi' demanded answers. They have now received a detailed account of police investigation and a promise that the file is with the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The real test is whether the state now keeps its word without further prodding. In his address, the minister asked the nation to trust the process. He spoke of rigour, not neglect, and pointed to 10 months of...

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