Butler optimistic despite underdog tag
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday May 15, 2015 15:23
The two clash in the quarter-final stage after receiving a bye in the group stages due to their comparatively superior FIFA ranking. Butler told a press briefing on Wednesday at Lekidi centre that the team has been in a familiarisation camp for the new faces in the team. He said six of the players who got the national team call up were part of the Under-23 squad that arrived from Kenya this week.
He said he had a chance to coach the Young Zebras and was impressed with what he saw. Mpho Kgaswane, Onkabetse Makgantai, Omaatla Kebatho, Tapiwa Gadibolae, Katlego Koobake and Kago Van Der Westhuizen are the Under-23 players promoted to the senior team.
Butler said there are many good young players in Botswana that could be developed and become part of the national team for the coming years.
He said players would be released back to their clubs because of the last round of Premier League matches this weekend.
The final squad to travel to South Africa would be announced on Sunday.
Butler is keeping his fingers crossed that players return injury free from their teams. “We are going there as underdogs. South Africa has the best facilities when compared to us, but we are going to give them stiff opposition. “We are not going there to add numbers, but to compete,” promised Butler.
The other players who
have been in camp are:
Goalkeepers: Modiri Marumo, Kabelo Dambe and Mwampule Masule. Defenders: Oscar Ncenga, Obonye Moswate, Richard Legwaila, and Mosha Gaolaolwe.
Midfielders: Lemponye Tshireletso, Segolame Boy, Joel Mogorosi, Mogogi Gabonamong, Ofentse Nato, Mogakolodi Ngele.
Butler explained that he called Gabonamong, Mogorosi and Marumo into the squad to enable them to use their experience to guide young players.