Mpote impressed with Under-20 team

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Wednesday June 24, 2009 00:00

 

Speaking to Mmegi Sport in Johannesburg on Friday, the Miscellaneous coach said the young lads displayed good football against a physical Singapore side, fielding mostly Under-23 players. Mpote believes that it is crucial for the junior national teams to play more friendly matches.

'We need such games for the boys to gain confidence and exposure. The junior teams are a feeder to the senior team,' Mpote said. He said the boys shrugged off jet leg to put up a fine display. Botswana went ahead as early as the third minute through Uniao Flamengo Santos' sensation, Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele. However, the hosts rallied back and equalised just before half-time. The game finished 1-1.

Mpote said despite the long flight from Johannesburg to Singapore, the team managed to play well. The Botswana team arrived in Singapore on Tuesday and played on Wednesday. Mpote was impressed with the level of fitness of the players and said they were tactically better than the opponents.  'But they (Singapore) are a good side. They came back strongly after our first goal. It was a really good game, which gave our players a deserved practice match,' he said. Botswana was invited to take part in the tournament meant for the Under-23 side. But since the league is in full swing, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) decided to send an Under-20 side.