'Twizer' back in Zebras fold

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Thursday July 18, 2013 00:00

 

The 28-year old was announced as part of a 23-man squad called to camp yesterday to prepare for the African Nations Championships (CHAN) 2014 qualifier match against Zambia at the end of July. He is among five other additions to the squad that did duty at the COSAFA cup last week.Another defender making a return to the team is Musa Ohilwe who has also been absent for a while. Other new additions to the team are Tebogo Sosome (GU), Gosaitse Manuel (ECCO), Richard Legwaila (Nico United) and Bonolo Phuduhudu (BDF XI).Ramoshibidu last played for Zebras at the 2012 AFCON in Gabon, sustaining an injury against Ghana in the Zebras' opening game of the tournament in January 2012.

Many would remember the game as one of his best in Zebras colours. His combination with Phenyo Mongala in the left flank posed problems for the Black Stars and came close to bore a goal in one occasion. He was simply the most outstanding player in the pitch for the Zebras on the day despite the team losing 1-0.The defender's absence in the next game against Equatorial Guinea forced coach Stanley Tshosane to make adjustments in his defence. The move turned ugly as the Zebras were in for an embarrassing 6-1 loss.Ramohibidu continued nursing his injury and did not play any games for his former club BMC until he transferred to first division side FC Satmos mid-last season.

He helped Satmos regain promotion to the Premier League and is expected to be back in top-flight action next season.Tshosane's addition of Ramohibidu and Ohilwe to his squad might be one of his efforts to reinforce a defence that has become porous lately.Despite not having many admirers, Ramohibidu has proven to be the best natural left fullback the Zebras had in recent times.Namibian based Pako Lekgari and Edwin Olerile have all been tried in the position but none rose to the occasion to make a good impression.

Ohilwe and Tshepo Motlhabankwe have also in the past given a run in the position. Meanwhile the once rock solid defence lead by skipper Mompati Thuma and Ndiyapo Letsholathebe had shown signs of cracking in recent matches. At the COSAFA cup last week, Lesotho came back from behind twice to play for a 3-3 draw with Botswana.  The Zebras play Chipolopolo in the first leg match of the CHAN qualifiers at the Molepolole Sports Complex on July 27th.