03 Sep 2014

The senior national football team, the Zebras, left for Tunisia on September 2 to face the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in a 2015 AFCON qualifier.

The two sides last met in 2010 for the 2012 AFCON qualifying games. Zebras beat Tunisia home and away courtesy of a Jerome 'JJ' Ramatlhakwane strike.

The likes of Mompati 'Apache' Thuma, Ndiayapo Letsholathebe, Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane, Mosimanegape 'Twizer' Ramohibidu, and Phenyo 'Mzambiya' Mongala, managed to contain the Carthage Eagles.

Tunisia have since overhauled their squad just like the Zebras, and therefore, all eyes will be on both coaches.  Peter 'PJ' Butler and his counterpart, Georges Leekens will face each other and the best tactician will come out tops.

The Zebras travelled with their tried and tested players in Modiri Marumo, Joel Mogorosi, Jerome Ramatlhakwane, Ofentse Nato and Mogogi Gabonamong who would be tasked with guiding the young stars in the team. 

However South African based player midfield maestro, Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele did not travel with the team due to an injury. Tunisia equally have experienced players and some ply their trade in Kuwait, Cameroon and the Cape Verde.

Butler said, “we are going there with a positive mind, but from my perspective, I also want to make an impression, and I know there are a few hurdles to climb, but we will fight,” he said.

The game will be played at the Olympic Rades stadium in Monstir, a town 200 km from Tunis. Kick off is 6:15 p.m. 

The team: Goalkeepers: Mwampule Masule (Township Rollers), Modiri Marumo (Polokwane City), Kabelo Dambe (Platinum Stars)

Defenders: Leutwetse Tshireletso, Obonye Moswate, Otlantshekela Mooketsi, Obuile Ncenga (Township Rollers), Edwin Olerile (Gaborone United), Mosha Gaolaolwe (BDFX1), Boitumelo Mafoko (Jwaneng Galaxy).

Midfielders: Joel Mogorosi, Mogogi Gabonamong (Bloemfontein Celtic), Ofentse Nato (Atletico de Madrid), Bonolo Phuduhudu, Thato Ogopotse, Kabelo Seakanyeng (BDF XI), Lemponye Tshireletso and Galabgwe Moyana (Mochudi Centre Chiefs).

Strikers: Mokgathi Mokgathi, (BDFX1), Onalethata Tshekiso (Mochudi Centre Chiefs) and Jerome Ramatlhakwana. ENDS