Five-A-Side team eyes World Cup glory
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday March 3, 2016 15:49
The team left on Tuesday to take part in the tournament that draws together 32 countries.
After winning the local Five-A-Side tournament, Team Letshego would have the opportunity to represent the country in Thailand. “We have worked this hard to reach this stage, so I believe that we have what it takes to win the World Cup. We played against strong outfits that had the likes of Dipsy Selolwane and we managed to qualify for Thailand,” he said.
Njamela said morale was high in camp and the players were confident as they were also aiming for the World Cup trophy.
“We are fully prepared as we have been training hard for the past two months,” he said. Team Letshego looks strong, as it comprises former professional football players such as Leo Mbano who used to turn out for Extension Gunners.
The Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng said sending a Five-A-Side to the tournament was an achievement.
“I do not remember the country sending a Five-A-Side team to such a big tournament,” he said. “This is a step in the right direction. Normally we just stage amateur tournaments by the Molapo courts.”
Reikeletseng warned the departing team of taking performance enhancing drugs as it had the potential to taint Botswana’s name.
He said since it was the first time the team was participating in the tournament, players should go out with an open mind and learn more. The prize money for the winners is US$185, 000 (approx. P2 million)
Botswana is in group H alongside Malaysia, Portugal and United Arab Emirates. Botswana’ first match will be against Malaysia tomorrow.
Full team:
Leo Mbano, Mmoloki Njamela (captain), Mpho Ramagonono, Wangu Jobe, Arnold Bonang, Gontse Tlhalerwa. ave vanished. She said her focus was to heal and would not be involved in any physical activity.