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No bones about it: Zebras needs a JJ rebirth

The current crop of Zebras strikers is arguably apocryphal, and the vicissitude engulfing the national team has rendered them to a ‘milk and water’ status – very weak! Zebras is currently playing AFCON qualifiers and the team has scored a mere two goals in four matches!

Don’t be fooled by the 1-0 win against Zambia recently, it’s just an eye wash, win and loss in football are like Kith and Kin – the bottom-line is that our strikers are evidently gentlemen at large!
This damning conclusion on the senior men National Team is deduced from the lethargic performances since the maiden appearance at the AFCON 2012. It is a fact that the frontline attack has grown toothless since returning from their maiden AFCON cup qualifiers in February of 2012.

This is not just a squawk about Zebras strike force without basis. To steer clear of any assumed malice, here is why every firm football fan could be steamed up right now – ever since the disappearance of striker Jerome Jay Jay Ramatlhakwane, none of the selected strikers is hitting the net consistently as he once did! They have all literally failed to step into JJ shoes.

Between the 2015 and 2019 AFOCN Qualifiers, it has been uninspiring performances from the Zebras men in front of the goals. The strikers have played nine (9) rounds of games and they have scored only twice. While we could be stirring up a hornet’s nest with this matter of fact write-up, we are prepared to stick to our guns – the current crop of strikers is failing the national team.

It shouldn’t appear we trying to stretch the truth. Let’s look at the 2012 qualifying rounds, Zebras played eight (8) games and scored seven (7) times. Striker Jay Jay alone found the net five (5) times hence ascending to the summit of the top scorers’ list in Africa alongside deadly Senegalese striker, Mamadou Niang. At a personal level, this was a wonderful, hard-earned moment of sporting grace for the monstrous built striker whose body built suited his Zebras role to a T. His scoring ability remains unmatched up to now.

For far too long, The Zebras players, strikers to be more precise, have become little more than spectators in any African Cup of Nations qualifying scoring race. By extension, the future of scoring players mirrors a tomorrow that may never come. Ever since the remarkable and buccaneering record set during the wonderful seasons of striker Jerome Ramatlhakwane in 2011, The Zebras striking force has been nothing but a blunt knife – this is for the record.

Here is the sum and substance of our situation at the Zebras – four (4) AFCON finals passed without anybody hitting the net consistently. Other than trying and experimenting with a handful of strikers, our tiny land locked country struggled to find its way out of a mediocre zone.

But along the visible lines of pedestrian performances, the name of Jerome Ramatlhakwane remains popular in this country and by extension, Southern Africa. Believe it or not, Jay-Jay as he is popularly known, has built a legacy for himself that is unrivalled.

He is arguably one of the most highly acclaimed footballers this country has birthed, albeit with little success due to lack of exposure and many other obstacles the robust player has experienced in his football career. Ramatlhakwane has been both the darling and the villain in the media and in the country for the display he provides on the field of play.

With the senior national team failing to score goals, one wonders how Jay-Jay used to find the back of the net with such ease. Records are here for everyone to see but as Mark Twain argued, ‘facts are stubborn and statistics are pliable.’

With a career spanning from 2006 till date, Jay-Jay is Botswana’s all-time leading goal scorer, having found the back of the net on 21 occasions, with 53 caps under his belt and counting. Jay-Jay’s skill as a box striker is second to none; the striker is a marvel to watch on the field of play. His agility and sheer love of the game gives him an aura of a warrior on the battlefield.

That is why it is hard to comprehend why Jay-Jay is still a local player, why scouts haven’t scooped him up. A player of his calibre and the skill he possess as a finisher makes it obvious that he could be destined for greater things. Jay-Jay would make for a pronounced addition to any international club.

THE STATS

Hot on his heels is Botswana’s poster boy, Diphetogo Selolwane who hanged his boots post the 2012 AFCON showpiece. He has 18 goals from 68 caps in a football career that kick started in 1998.
In terms of play, Selolwane and Tshepiso Molwantwa, the famous jersey number 9 owner, are better than Jay-Jay but when it comes to statistics, Jay-Jay has the upper hand, this leaves one to ponder; is this what Mark Twain meant when he argued that statistics can be bent?

It’s a shock to learn that Molwantwa has won himself 44 international caps but only 8 recognized goals. We take a dim view of Molwantwa when it comes to goals scored but take heart in his selfless maneuvers on the field of play.

In modern Botswana football, Omaatla Kebatho of Orapa United and the late Oliver Phikati have all failed to rise to the occasion and with coaches not willing to give Teenage Orebonye enough opportunities, the Zebras’ striking situation has been a well-documented issue that portrays how and why The Zebras have failed to move up in the world rankings. JJ should have shown some of these players the ropes.

There seems to be no striker who will soon surpass Jay-Jay. The likes of Jomo Moatlhaping and Joel Mogorosi who have practically retired may have given the dominant striker a run for his money. Mogorosi is sitting third on the rankings with 14 goals from 79 appearances.

Only Onkabetse Makgantai can turn the tide on Jay-Jay’s story, should he come to the party. Onkabetse stands at 12 international caps with 5 goals, a far cry from what Jay-Jay resume reads. But in a squad that is losing its renowned defensive stability, Jerome can still score top marks in all aspects of the game, especially when he is working with a crafty midfielder.

Looking back at that goal reel, if ever there is one, in among the bullet headers, the tap-ins, the dinks and spins, there is a sense of man constructing a monument for himself. For Jay-Jay, the 2012 AFCON showpiece may have been the last significant mark to pass. One that may not, all things considered, be surpassed. All the hope we have on the current crop of strikers – just a shot in the dark!

Sport

BFA slow-stepping efforts in Wilson’s quest for citizenship?

18th March 2024

A quarter of a year ago, Zebras’ strategist, Didier Gomes Da Rosa, took a decisive step by enlisting midfielder Brandon Wilson, who flexes his soccer prowess at Ha Noi Football Club (FC) in Vietnam.

Yet, the 27-year-old sensation found himself benched before the game even started, due to his Australian nationality, despite his roots firmly planted in Gaborone, Botswana.

Fast forward to today, and Wilson’s name is still missing from the latest Zebras’ lineup for the forthcoming four-nation friendly extravaganza set to unfold in Madagascar.

Pundits from the local football arena argue that this tournament, starring The Zebras alongside Madagascar, Rwanda, and Burundi as hosts, presented a golden ticket for Wilson to unveil his skills, merge his playstyle with his teammates, and pass down his seasoned insights to the squad.

Looking ahead, The Zebras face a rugged path in their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group, battling titans like Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, and Uganda—teams studded with Europe-based talents. Integrating Wilson into the team now would be nothing short of strategic.

Amidst this saga, a ray of hope shined through a High Court ruling, suggesting the Botswana government’s nod towards dual citizenship, potentially giving the BFA the nudge it needed to expedite Wilson’s case.

Yet, as 2023 unfurls, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Anna Mokgethi, hinted at a six-month timeline to legislating this change. “We’re laying down the legal and procedural groundwork to enable dual citizenship. This process will span at least six months.

This waiting game could be pegged to aligning with the court of appeal’s decision.

“This buffer is designed to ensure a seamless transition, enabling talents like Wilson to clinch their Botswana passports and don the Zebras jersey,”

On the V.League 1 Table (Vietnam) – 2023/24 front, Wilson’s squad, Ha Noi FC, is holding sixth place after 13 showdowns, boasting 19 points—a commendable feat for their freshman year in Vietnam’s Elite League.

Since his leap to Ha Noi FC on September 5, 2023, Wilson has left his mark on 15 matches across domestic and AFC Champions League arenas, an impressive feat for his inaugural season.

In a recent WeekendSport dialogue, Da Rosa sung praises of Wilson’s gameplay. “Wilson’s mastery of the field, his spatial awareness, and ball reception, earmark him as a midfield marvel. His strategic positioning is a lesson in discipline, a skill set our team can greatly benefit from.

“He’s a crucial cog in our quest toward the 2026 World Cup dream,” Da Rosa said.

 

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Sport

Kemoeng’s departure opens doors for School sports – BOSETU

18th March 2024

The departure of Kitso Kemoeng from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture has been met with a sigh of relief by many, particularly by the Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU). Kemoeng’s tenure as Permanent Secretary was marked by a lack of progress and engagement on the issue of reinstating school sports, which has been a crucial aspect of child development in Botswana.

BOSETU had accused Kemoeng of being a stumbling block to the resuscitation of school sports, citing his arrogant and anti-engagement attitude towards the issue. His transfer to the Botswana Public Service College has been seen as a positive development by the union, as it signals a clear message that non-delivery and lack of vision will not be tolerated within the government.

The union has expressed confidence in the new Permanent Secretary, Bright John, who is expected to bring a fresh perspective and understanding of the importance of sports and culture in the holistic development of children. The absence of school sports in Botswana has had a detrimental impact on the youth and the development of sports in the country, and it is imperative that immediate action is taken to reinstate these programs.

According to BOSETU the departure of Kemoeng from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture is a step in the right direction towards reviving school sports in Botswana. The union and other stakeholders are hopeful that under the leadership of Bright John, progress will be made in ensuring the well-being and development of the youth through sports. It is time to breathe a sign of relief and look forward to a brighter future for school sports in Botswana.

 

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Sport

Will Makhwengwe’s exit halt Tafic’s remarkable streak?

24th February 2024

The abrupt severance of ties between Tafic Football Club and its erstwhile commander-in-chief, Philemon Makhwengwe, colloquially celebrated as the “Spin Doctor”, has sent ripples through the football aficionado community, given his laudable stewardship in the 2023/24 Botswana Premier League (BPL) crusade. The narrative of Matjimenyenga, as Tafic is affectionately dubbed, narrates a saga of resilience, having faced the ignominy of relegation to the Debswana First Division North on two occasions prior.

The chronicle of their fall from grace in 2018, settling at a dismal 14th place with a record marred by more losses than victories, delineates a club in dire need of strategic revival. Fast-forward to the present campaign, and the transformation under Makhwengwe’s aegis has been nothing short of remarkable. At the cessation of 16 rounds, Tafic perched at the fifth position with 24 points is a testament to an emboldened renaissance.

However, the plot thickened on the 20th of February, 2024, as Tafic pronounced the departure of Makhwengwe from his coaching pedestal via a Facebook communiquĂ©, a move that bewildered the football-watching public. Discrepancies surfaced, with reports attributing his departure to discord with the club’s upper echelons over proposed adjustments within the technical team, painting a picture of internal discord.

Makhwengwe, a tactician revered for his prowess in architecting footballing triumphs, has been instrumental in Tafic’s ascent from the quagmire of league standings to a commendable sixth position. This leaves the footballing realm in suspense over Tafic’s trajectory post-Makhwengwe, especially after their recent conquest over Gaborone United, thrusting them into a formidable league position.

Amidst this backdrop of controversy, where Makhwengwe’s own assertions conflict with the official narrative – oscillating between resignation and dismissal – the saga unfolds with layers of intrigue. The spectacle calls into question the capacity of Tafic to sustain their impressive run. The precedence set by Cote D’Ivoire’s astonishing turnaround at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a managerial upheaval offers a glimmer of unpredictability inherent in football, though juxtaposing club football dynamics with international fixtures holds its own set of complexities.

As Tafic grapples with the loss of one of Botswana’s most esteemed coaching figures, the overarching question looms: How will this episode influence their fortunes as the season wades into its critical junctures? With the BPL already witnessing a carousel of coaching departures, Tafic’s saga adds a compelling chapter to the unfolding narrative of a league characterized by flux and fervor. The departure of Makhwengwe not only marks a pivotal moment for Tafic but underscores the perennial dance between stability and upheaval in the quest for footballing glory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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