Can Zebras shock Mambas?
TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer
| Friday June 6, 2008 00:00
The Zebras will go into this game after a disappointing 0-0 draw against Madagascar in the opening game of the qualifiers at the Gaborone National Stadium last weekend.
The result forced the Botswana Football Association (BFA) National Executive Committee (NEC) to sack British tactician Colwyn Rowe after calls from the nation to relieve him of his duties. The association has appointed Stanley Tshosane, assisted by Kenneth Mogae, to take charge of the team. Ahead of the Mozambique game, thousands of Batswana supporters are hopeful that the Zebras will return home with a positive result, considering that the man (Rowe) whom they believed was responsible for the poor showing has had the red card flashed at him.
This week inside the Zebras camp, the mood has been at an all-time low after the players were told of the changes in the technical team. Ironically this is because most of the players believed that Rowe was the best man to lead them to the 2010 African Nations Cup in Angola. One player, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Mmegi Sport that BFA over reacted by firing the Briton because he was not to blame for the goalless draw against Madagascar. He said the problem was with the players, as they did not carry out the instructions they were given.
In an interview with Mmegi Sport at the Sir Seretse Khama Airport minutes before departure, Zebras' captain Modiri Marumo acknowledged that since they were told of the changes in the technical team, the mood among the players has been low and that they need a big motivation to perform to the expectations against the Mozambican 'Mambas'.
'We managed to talk as players and agreed that we have to pick up the pieces and do our best against Mozambique. We have to play our usual game and try to go for broke as it is important to get a good result because the people want us to win,' he said.
Marumo pointed out that though they have not beaten the Mambas in any competitive game, they will fight to the last man. He said that in their last meetings against their hosts, there were signs of improvement and they will take it from there. 'I do not know what the coach (Tshosane) has up his sleeves but we cannot go out there and sit back for a draw. A win is going to be important for us and we will have to take every chance that we create,' he said.
The Zebras' skipper agreed that since it is clear that they have problems of scoring, they will have to work harder to end the goal drought. Marumo, Dipsy Selolwane, Dirang Moloi and Pontsho Moloi will play a crucial role in their bid to gain maximum points and change the Zebras' fortunes in the post-Rowe era.
On paper, however, the Zebras go to Maputo as underdogs in that the Mambas will be playing at home. According to the latest FIFA rankings, Mozambique is in 19th position in Africa while Botswana is in 28th position. The Mambas go into the game after their hard-fought 1-0 loss to powerful Ivory Coast in Abidjan on Sunday night.
Mozambique was unlucky to lose the game after they missed a penalty in the first half. So, they will be looking forward to making amends and put their campaign on track in the encounter against the Zebras. Dario Monteiro, who missed the penalty, is expected to lead the attack for the Mambas supported by either Pequeino or Manuel 'Tico-Tico' Bucuane who plays for South Africa's Jomo Cosmos. In the middle of the park, SuperSport United's creative midfielder Elias Pelembe can be expected to wreak havoc. He will need to be watched by the Zebras. Because of his outstanding performance last season, Pelembe was voted the player of the season in the South African Premier League. Kick-off is at 3pm.
Sports Editor Tshepo Molwane And Chief Photographer Tsele Tsebetsame will be Maputo to bring all reports and pictures from the game.