Under-20 women better prepared for SA clash

Kabelo Boranabi | Friday July 24, 2015 13:26

He vowed the charges will put on a vastly improved performance from the 8-1 drubbing they suffered in the first leg.  Kick-off is at 3pm.

Motlhagodi told a media briefing in Gaborone yesterday that his team has been in camp for the past two weeks and have worked a lot in trying to boost their match fitness, which was a factor in the first leg. “ Fitness is not like water. It cannot be stored. Preserving it is not child’s play. For the past two weeks, we have been working a lot on fitness,” he said philosophically . 

He further said reaction time was one of the factors that contributed to their embarrassing defeat a fortnight ago and they have been trying to work on that too.  He, however, said this time he is fully informed about his opponents unlike in the first leg.

“I have a video of the South African team, which I have watched a lot of times. I have identified their weaknesses and will try to counter them using our own strengths because in this team I believe we have the best crop of players.”

He added that he has identified four players from the just ended Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) games and has invited them to the squad.

The team’s captain Refilwe Tholakele said they are prepared for the game and will not just go and honour the fixture, but perform to their level best. The local girls will be wary of Basetsana attacking trio of Anelisa Ndyebi, Gabriella Salgabo and Thembi Kgatlana who all scored braces in the first leg.

In the last two encounters between the two teams, Botswana has conceded 11 goals and scored only two goals.

Botswana squad: Refilwe Matlho, Masego Koboto, Sedilame Bosija, Kesego Mahatsa, Warona Molete, Nancy Baeletsi, Tlamelo Pheresi, Boitshoko Moalosi, Segolame Kampedi, Refilwe Lentswe, Banyana Thekiso, Semphete Segwati, Gonayamodimo Macha, Vivian Moshomane, Gorata Morekolodi, Oratile Baraedi, Marea Muchenge, Kelebogile Magaga, Wame Letshelela.

South Africa: Regirl Ngobeni, Thato Letsoso. Charmelle Wiltshire, Drishana Pillay, Caryn Van Reyneveldt, Danella George, Stephanie Malherbe, Ndyebi, Moseki Mohole, Nomad Skiwear, Kgatlana, Asa Rabalao Phillistus, Mapaseka Mpuru, Tshwarelo Digaoto, Tiisetso Makhubelo, Amanda Mthandi, Bongeka Gamede, Lelona Daweti, Amogelang Motau, Linda Motlhalo, Puleng Moremi, Salgabo, Zimasa Dekeda, Thalea Smidt