Young Zebras scale the heights

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Tuesday August 7, 2007 00:00

 

The Young Zebras faced strong competition from hosts China, Korea and Japan. In the last match against Japan, midfielder Amos 'Shoes' Godirwang's strike gave the Zebras a 1-0 win and overall victory in the tournament.

The performance came as a surprise, especially after the team started the Asian tournament on a low note losing 2-0 to China last Wednesday. But they managed to recover beating Korea and Japan with 1-0 scores to finish the tournament with six points. The Young Zebras achieved the historic feat soon after another impressive performance at the Sasol Eight Nations tournament in South Africa last month. Botswana lost 1-0 to former Olympic champions Cameroon in the final of the Sasol tournament.

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Moeng Pheto told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he was impressed by the good performance of the youngsters in Asia. 'We're very proud of the team as Batswana as it takes sports development to a higher level. If we continue developing this team, our chances of reaching 2010 World Cup are high,' he said. He stated that it would be important for all stakeholders to continue encouraging David Bright's boys to go for more glory. 'We also have to remember the sponsors of the team for their generosity. It would be unfair to forget them when we continue to shower praises on the team,' he told Mmegi Sport. The trip to China was sponsored by Debswana, Mascom and Chinese Chamber of Commerce with P330,000.

Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) chairperson, Dorcus Makgato-Malesu said that the victory is good news for Botswana considering the level the team was competing at. Makgato-Malesu said that considering how good the opposition was, it shows that the Botswana youngsters are ready to compete at a higher level.

Outgoing Botswana Football Association (BFA) chief executive officer Thabo 'Styles' Ntshinogang shared the same sentiments with Pheto and Malesu. 'Their win has put us on the map. People will start taking notice of Botswana football as our country has showed potential to compete at a higher level,' he said. Ntshinogang added that the friendship with China might benefit Botswana ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. 'They might consider camping in Botswana if they qualify,' said the BFA official. The Under-23 team is scheduled to arrive this morning (9.30am).

Meanwhile, the team is expected to continue with the training camp to prepare for the upcoming 2008 Olympic Games' qualifier against Cameroon at the National Stadium in Gaborone on August 22. The Young Zebras are out to collect maximum points and avenge the 1-0 loss they suffered to Cameroon at the final of the Sasol Eight Nations tournament in South Africa. The Zebras lost their opening group game in the qualifiers away to Morocco.