17 Jul 2014

All eyes will be on Peter 'PJ' Butler when the senior national football team takes on Guinea Bissau on Saturday (July 19). Batswana will be looking forward to his game plan, philosophy and tactical awareness.


The question that lingers in every football lover is whether PJ has a squad that will match the Djurtus. In the absence of Joel Mogorosi and Mogogi Gabonamong, it remains to be seen which players will be thrown in the deep end and how far and fast would they swim. 


Nevertheless, Butler has both youngsters and experienced players who can make the nation proud when South African referee, Victor Gomes starts the game 


BOPA sports reporters Anastacia Sibanda and Mompati Tlhankane predict the provincial squad that, PJ might start with:


On the goalposts Mwampule Masule might start against Guinea Bissau because he had a fantastic season and he had proven that he is a reliable shortstopper. He is match fit and ready to show his worth.


Other players that Butler might use are: 
Left back- Otlantshekela Mooketsi- He is a versatile player who can defend as well as attack. He is also solid at the back. 


Centre Back- Boitumelo Mafoko- His experience makes him a valuable player in the Zebras defence. His performance against Burundi showed that he can perform even better at the back as opposed to his regular defensive midfielder role. 


Centre Back- Leutlwetse Tshireletso - He is always alert and never shaken by any opponent. He is a perfect replacement for his suspended club teammate Olebile Ncenga. 


Right Back- Obonye Moswate - He can cut into the box whenever his help is required. He doesn’t shy away from joining attack upfront. He is reliable. 


Central midfield- Ofentse Nato - He can dictate the game in the midfield and never loses possession easily. He can shoot from anywhere and he is a proven goal scorer at the time when he is needed.

In the absence of Mogogi Gabonamong the coach might start with Karabo Phiri because his youthful insight brings a new element into the team. He can switch play from the center to the wings and launch attack from anywhere. He controls the ball perfectly and never hesitates to take on his opponents. 


Rightwing - Lemponye Tshireletso -  He is fast, quick on counter attacks and can deliver useful crosses into the box at the right time, he is a perfect replacement for captain Joel Mogorosi. The team can also depend on him for set pieces. 


Left wing – Galabgwe Moyana - On his good day, he can deliver defence splitting passes and can also make runs towards goal. His shot power is superb and he can take good long range shots. 


Central attacking midfilder- Mogakolodi Ngele - He is a proven and dependable goal scorer; he can dribble and frustrate opponents. He does not lose the ball easily and he is usually the most fouled therefore he can create set piece opportunities. He can convert goals from a free kick spot. 


Striker- Jerome Ramatlhakwana -  He is a recurrent goal scorer and has rescued the team during desperate times. He can make runs towards goal and his physique is an advantage towards defenders. 



However Radio Botswana, commentator Tiro Lepotokisi believes Butler might start with Obonye Moswate on the right.
 He said in the absence of Mogorosi, the coach might opt for Mandla Mgadla.


He further said Galabgwe Moyana and Edwin Olerile might be used on the on the left, given that both are experienced players and Moyana is in a good shape having been engaged in the play offs for his club Polokwane City.


On centre backs he said PJ might consider using Boitumelo Mafoko and Leutlwerse Tshireletso, “Mafoko with his experience will guide Tshireletso and more often providing cover for Moswate". 


According to Tiro, Nato and Jackie Mothatego might be given a chance as defensive midfielders because modern football is played with two anchors and this helps reduce pressure from the center backs.

He further said Jerome Ramatlhakwana would be used as centre forward because in the past games there was no natural forward hence limiting out options in attack.


“Lastly, Mogakolodi Ngele with his great footwork, accuracy and skill will surely draw more defenders hence creating attacking space for JJ and other” he said. 


Meanwhile at the time of going to press, Bloemfoentein Celtic were yet to release Gabonamong and Mogorosi, because the game will be played outside FIFA calendar, therefore teams are not obliged to release players. ENDS