Butler goes scouting in Maun
Kabelo Boranabi | Thursday March 10, 2016 15:49
In his absence, another Under-20 selection camp was organised at the Lekidi Centre over the weekend. Players selected from last year’s Botswana Games held in Francistown were invited for the Gaborone camp. Butler at the time was scouting for talent in Maun.
“No I was not involved in that. I hear they appointed an interim coach, (but) I will look at those players,” he told Mmegi Sport yesterday. Butler said he is impressed with the talent he saw in the northwest part of the country. “I was looking for height, speed, skill awareness and commitment. In general, I was looking for players who I feel can work their way up to contention for national under 20 side,” he said.
“I was delighted with the commitment I saw. I know Maun has very good players (who are) very strong and competitive and I have always stood by my word that I would explore the northern areas,” he said.
“I would also like to bring those players to Gaborone to play the Under-20 selected here.I am sure they will surprise many people. They are tall, strong and powerful players,” said the Briton.
Butler also said his search for talent in the north would continue to Kasane on April 10, with an Under-21 tournament with 10 teams.
“I will go whereever I can get to. It’s all external money from sponsors. I am very thankful for the people supporting me,” he said. Since the Briton took over as the national team coach in 2014, he has given debuts to youngsters who include regulars like Lebogang Ditsele, 19, Tapiwa Gadibolae and Omaatla Kebatho, both 22.
More youngsters are expected to be included in the Zebras squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Comoros later this month. Botswana are third position in group D.