Zebras eye redemption against Malawi

Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Tuesday March 31, 2026 10:13

Speaking in a post-match press conference, Zebras head coach, Morena Ramoreboli attributed his team's semi-final defeat to Warriors to three crucial mistakes made in the first half.

He pinpointed poor positioning and failure to win the ball back as key errors.

“We were not positioned properly. They managed to score the goal. They did the same thing with the second and third goal,' Ramoreboli explained.

The Zebras coach also criticised his team's defending of set pieces, saying they failed to protect their goal post. He noted that the third goal was a repeat of the first, attributing these mistakes to the team's inexperience.

However, Ramoreboli was pleased with the team's second-half performance, indicating that they made technical changes and started playing better.

“I think we played a better part of the second half. Maybe had we scored the penalty, we could have gained another energy and maybe do well,' he added.

Looking ahead, Ramoreboli emphasised the need for patience with the young team, allowing them to grow and gain confidence. He stated that the national team is for all deserving players. “We only have 11 positions in a game of football and those who are consistent and willing to work hard will always get an opportunity to be selected.'

Warriors head coach, Mario Marinica praised his team's performance adding that it was a difficult match against a tough opponent.

“Zebras is not an easy team. They have good players, quite fast, and they put us in different problems in the second half,” he said. Marinica credited his team's first-half dominance to a well-executed game plan.

“We had a game plan which worked to perfection for the first half,' he explained.



The coach also highlighted the team's mix of experience and youth as a key factor, stating that it was a 'fantastic exercise' for the players. Looking beyond the win, Marinica emphasised the value of tournaments like the Mukuru Four Nations.

“We need this type of tournaments or competitions more often because it is for the benefit of every single country to have these friendly competitive matches,” he said.

He added that such events provide vital exposure and experience for players, essential for success in major competitions.

Marinica also thanked the Warriors' supporters for their backing and the hosts for organizing the tournament, saying it was a great platform to showcase the team's skills.

The Zebras will face Malawi in the 3rd/4th place play-off, while Warriors will take on Zambia’s Chipolopolo in the final after a thrilling 9-8 penalty win against Malawi.

The teams:

Botswana: Ezekiel Morake,Tlamelo Kolagano,Nico Babutsi, Tebogo Kobelang, Ratlhogo Ratlhogo,Theo Shadikong,Monty Enosa, Losika Ratshuku, Erick Ookame, Tshepo Keselebale

Zimbabwe: Chipezeze Elvis,Takwara John, Hadebe Teenage, Garananga Munashe, Johan Reinhard Fabish, Marvelous Nakamba, Mongameli Tshuma, Bill Antonio, Godknows Murwira, Bonne Maculey

Zebras 0 Warriors 3 (Tshuma 25th, Bonne 33rd, Antonio 45th)