Key omissions for Botswana

Botswana’s 23-man squad has touched base in Cameroon to prepare for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, minus two surprise omissions.

Botswana’s Player of the Season Edwin Olerile and the supporters’ Player of the Year Skhana Koko did not make the cut for coach Stanley Tshosane’s 23-man squad.

The team was originally scheduled to prepare in Qatar ahead of their maiden continental showpiece appearance, but due to funding issues the trip was moved to Cameroon.

The issue of payment had generated a row among players, who refused to train last Thursday and Friday, forcing the president of the country to step in to plead with the side to put the national interest first.

“It’s disappointing that at the last minute before we travel, players are still uncertain about the bonuses,” SuperSport United’s Dipsy Selolwane told the BBC.

“As much as (we were asking for) a small amount of money, they should be able to manage it without blinking but that proposal was turned down and we were given an ultimatum that either we stay or we go home. So we feel that we were not treated right.”

Tshosane has included injured captain Mompathi Thuma in his squad, but Koko – tipped as the nation’s next big thing – was not.

Full squad: Kabelo Dambe (Rollers), Noah Maposa (Gaborone United), Modiri Marumo (Bay United); Monametsi Kelebale (NICO), Ndiyapo Letsholathebe (Police XI), Tshepo Motlhabankwe Mochudi (Centre Chiefs), Musa Ohilwe (Gaborone United), Mosimanegape Ramohibidu (BMC), Mompathi Thuma (BDF XI); Mogogi Gabonamong (SuperSport United), Boitumelo Mafoko (Santos), Joel Mogorosi Mochudi (Centre Chiefs), Pontsho Moloi (Centre Chiefs), Phenyo Mongala (Bloemfontein Celtic), Patrick Motsepe (BDF XI), Ofentse Nato (Gaborone United), Mogakolodi Ngele (Rollers), Othusitse Pilane (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Tshireletso (BDF XI); Moemedi Moatlhaping (Bay United), Jerome Ramatlhakwane (unattached), Diphetogo Selolwane (SuperSport United), Onalethata Tshekiso (Rollers).