Posted in News on May 25, 2005.
Zwane, who has represented Bafana Bafana on six occasions with 11 junior caps (7 under-23, four under-20), bounced back from a lengthy ban by the SA Football Association (Safa) at the start of the season to cement his place in the Amakhosi team. Since his return the Chiefs midfield dominate many an opposition with his accurate crosses from the wings more often that not benefiting Amakhosi.
It was not surprising to see his name among the finalists for the Castle Premiership Players’ Player of the Season. He was also nominated for the same award at club level but it was goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez who got the most number of goals.
“Arthur Zwane is a player that I have watched since I came here,” said Baxter. “I thought his performance was too inconsistent. I thought he got into great positions and crossed poorly or he crossed very well from a bad position. I just wanted a little bit more consistency and over the last four games he’s switched up a gear.”
Zwane last played for the national team in 2003 2-0 win against Madagascar and only played for 14 minutes.
“We are going to Cape Verde and I am thinking of a tactical change and having an out and out winger in the squad is preferable. I am looking for a winger and Arthur Zwane is in form and I am taking him with. That has got nothing to do with us buckling under pressure,” Baxter said.
On paper the squad looks weak and probably not capable of getting anything out of Cape Verde but coach Stuart Baxter is confident his side will be up to the challenge when they take on the islanders.
Most of the usual suspects like Quinton Fortune of Manchester United, Charlton Athletic striker Shaun Bartlett and Bradley Carnell were not on the list. All three, along with Matthew Booth were knocked out by injuries.
Of the four, Fortune, who was operated for a troublesome ankle, could have been available for the Cape Verde trip but lack of cooperation from Old Trafford made it impossible.
“In as much as we tried to avert to delay his operation, we were in contact constantly with the medical people at Old Trafford and they told us he could possible wait until after the Ghana game.
“I think a combination of a few things, probably not the least Mr (Alex) Ferguson’s lack of understanding for the situation we are in, which meant he (Fortune) went into operation straight away,” said Baxter.
Baxter has named three notable strikers, Lerato Chabangu (Sundowns), Benedict McCarthy (FC Porto) and Katlego Mphela (RC Strasbourg) but chances are that Sbusiso Zuma and Delron Buckley could be used as attackers in the absence of experienced Bartlett.
“The medical people from Charlton had told us that Shaun’s injury is such that he cannot play two games back-to-back. Shaun will be coming down and he will be taking part in our camp in bits and pieces. We are trying to be very careful with him. We are trying to be careful with him. Bradley Carnell has a recurring ankle injury but he should be OK for Ghana,” Baxter said.
SuperSport United star defenders Ricardo Katza and Siboniso Gaxa have also been recognised for their talent and contributions to United’s success this season. Katza will more than likely be used in a dual role – central defender or at left-back.
Wits University midfielder Benson Mhlongo got the nod despite the fact that he has only just returned from an injury that kept him out for the better part of the season.
“I spoke to Roger de Sa for the last three weeks. Up until two weeks ago, Roger was very cautious. I have watched him and I have spoken to their medical people. Physically Benson is OK but Roger was saying mentally he (Benson) was not going al out,” said Baxter.
The decision to include Mhlongo was strengthened following a report from Wits that the player did well in their last game of the season. Wits will be playing in the Absa Cup final this weekend and that will also help Mhlongo return to his usual best.
Former captain Mbulelo Mabizela is also back and the coach was very impressed with the report he got from Norway.
Squad:
Goalkeepers: Hans Vonk (Ajax Amsterdam, Holland) and Calvin Marlin (SuperSport United)
Defenders: Nasief Morris (Panathanaikos, Greece), Aaron Mokoena (Blackburn Rovers, England), Thabiso Rammile (Mamelodi Sundowns, RSA), Siboniso Gaxa SuperSport United, RSA), Mbulelo Mabizela (Valerenga, Norway), Lucky Lekhwathi (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Ricardo Katza (SuperSport United, RSA).
Midfielders: Steven Pienaar (Ajax Amsterdam, Holland), Sibusiso Zuma (FC Coppenhagen, Denmark), Delron Buckley (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Benedict Vilakazi (Orlando Pirates, RSA), Elrio van Heerden (FC Coppenhagen, Denmark), Benson Mhlongo (Wits University, RSA), Arthur Zwane (Kaizer Chiefs, RSA).
Strikers: Benedict McCarthy (FC Porto, Portugal), Katlego Mphela (FC Starsbourg, France) and Lerato Chabangu (Mamelodi Sundowns, RSA).
