The Under 20 side hosts less fancied Namibia in the second leg of their encounter at the National Stadium. They need a victory to go through to the first round. The lads made their job a lot easier by holding the Young Warriors to a goalless draw at the Kuisedmod Stadium in Walvis Bay a fortnight ago. After the respectable 0-0 draw in Namibia, only victory will be accepted by hordes of supporters who are expected to be at the National Stadium.
Coach Isaiah Mogwadi must ensure that all his boys are in good shape. The thought of defeat is too hard to contemplate, but it is a possibility that the Young Zebras have to face. The team has been in camp since returning from Namibia and have played two friendly games prior to this game. A 7-0 routing of Kopong Classic on Monday will boost their morale. In the past the team lost concentration at crucial stages and failed to absorb pressure.
The best way is to go for an early goal to unsettle the Namibians who are still confident of going through to the next round. “It’s hard to promise, I hope the boys play according to instructions. We had problems with scoring during the first leg and we’ve tried to perfect that,” said Mogwadi. He urged Batswana to come in droves to support the boys as they are the future Zebras. “In the past the junior Zebras haven’t enjoyed the same support as the senior Zebras but we plead with Batswana to come and give us morale support,” he said.
Captain Moemedi Moatlhaping has promised the nation that they will deliver tomorrow. According to him they could not play to their full potential in Namibia because of injuries.
“The mood is high in camp and the boys are raring to go,” said Rollers ace striker. Moatlhaping said they will bury the Namibians by an avalanche of goals. Like his mentor, the Moshupa-born striker urged Batswana to come and support them. “It’s demoralising to play before an empty stadium,” he lamented.
Township Rollers defender, Boniface Makolo and first choice goalkeeper Noah Maposa of Blue Waters in Namibia will miss the game due to disciplinary matters. The duo are said to have misbehaved after the first leg game. Asked whether the team will not miss the experienced duo who played an important role during the first leg, Mogwadi responded, “we’ve got players who’ll fill their positions and most importantly, I’ll rather lose a game with a bunch of disciplined youngsters.” Though admitting that they will miss the services of Makolo and Maposa, Moatlhaping said their replacements are good and will surely excel.” Notwane young goalkeeper Keolopile Boitshwarelo and BMC fast improving defender Tumisang Sekanonyane will get a rare start replacing both Maposa and Makolo respectively.
Mogwadi said goalkeeper Boitshwarelo has a big heart and is a good communicator. The likes of Dirang Moloi, Thebe Maiketso, Betsho Pius, Tshepiso Kgosiemang and Bobo Motlhalane will lead the team to victory.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) Acting CEO, Sikalame Keatlholetswe also urged supporters to come and rally behind the boys. “This is a must win game for us and they need the support to go through,” said Keatlholetswe. The local lads and the Namibians travel to Maputo, Mozambique on April 21 to take part in the newly introduced SADC games.
Namibian team manager, Clerence Uatjavi Rupingena has promised that his boys are here to fight. “Your boys are good, but at the end of the day the best team will win,” said Rupingena. The team is coached by Snithley Engelbrecht who is said to be happy with the way preparations are going. The Namibians arrived in the country yesterday.
Tickets are selling at P15 and P10 for the grand stands and open stands respectively. Kick off is at 1500hrs.
