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 The two sides met last in 2002 before the South Africans departed for the World Cup in Korea/Japan. At the time, the Zebras held Bafana Bafana to a goalless draw at the National Stadium. A Zebras-Bafana Bafana match is highly anticipated in Botswana by hordes of fans who feel that their heroes have matured enough to start avenging some of the losses against South Africa.
Meanwhile, the Zebras will play a friendly match against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on August 18. “I can confirm that we’ll travel there next week and negotiations are on for them to come here at the end of the month,” said BFA acting chief executive officer Sikalame Keatlholetswe. If all goes well, the Warriors of Zimbabwe are due to be hosted by the Zebras on August 29 after the Coca-Cola final. The friendlies are a much needed boon for national team coach, Veselin Jelusic who has been worried that his charges might not get match practice before their crucial World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea in Conakry on September 5. With some key players out with injuries, new kid on the block Mokgathi Mokgathi, a striker with Tafic might be given a run. Hardworking Nico United defender Thatayaone Mothuba has made a return to the team but without his trademark dreadlocks. Whether he will break into Jelusic’s first team remains to be seen as the combination of Ernest Amos, Ndiapo Letsholathebe and Pius Kolagano in defence has been superb.
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