By Andrew Warshaw
January 9 – Botswana’s preparations for the African Cup of Nations have been thrown into turmoil with players being told there is no more money for bonuses amid rumours of a boycott.
The players refused to train for two days last week before agreeing to play a friendly against Zimbabwe on Saturday (January 7), which ended 0-0.
The Zebras are preparing for their first ever appearance at the finals which take place in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon starting January 21.
The row over payments with the Botswana Football Association (BFA) started in December when players demanded 100,000 Pula ($13,200/£8,600/€10,400) for every member of the squad plus a $2,000 win bonus and $1,000 per draw.
Botswana have been drawn in Group D along with Guinea, Mali and joint favourites Ghana.
Financial rewards frequently mar preparations for the African Nations Cup with players, some of whom have never had chance to play on such a big stage, keen to make the most of it.
Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane has transformed the team but even he is upset after talks on a possible new contract were postponed until the African football showpiece ends.
This year’s Nations Cup is conspicuous by the absence of several high-profile countries who failed to qualify including South Africa, seven-time champions Egypt, four-time winners Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria.
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