It all comes together for Zebras
Mqondisi Dube | Friday June 24, 2016 16:32
A win will present a nation, already in jubilant mood, with the right 50th birthday present.
Peter Butler’s charges have endured a lot in recent weeks, but responded magnificently with two victories within a week which sent them through to their first ever final in the regional competition.
The best the Zebras had achieved in the COSAFA Castle Cup was reaching the semi-final.
But after seeing off the challenges of the hosts, Namibia and a tricky DRC, ‘Dipitse’ have found a spring in their gallop and are ready to smash what is effectively an Under-23 South African side. Shakes Mashaba chose to take the youngsters as part of preparations for the Olympic games in August.
Botswana’s neighbours survived a scare against Lesotho, going through on penalties before blasting Swaziland 5-1.
The Zebras, on both occasions, were stretched to the dreaded penalties after missing an avalanche of chances, particularly against the DRC where they even shaved the woodwork.
“I am obviously very proud of their progress, but we have to stay humble and keep our feet on the ground as we prepare for Saturday’s game. It means a great deal to all of us to make the people of Botswana proud,” Butler said yesterday.
He paid credit to the technical team for pulling the feat amid difficult circumstances.
The Zebras’ preparations have often been chaotic, with lack of money, integral.
Kabelo Dambe returns from injury but quarter and semi-final hero, Mwampule Masule is expected to retain his place between the posts while Lesego Galenamotlhale is doubtful.
Butler is not concerned that, despite his charges moving to the final, they have only found the net once in 180 minutes.
“I am not concerned at all, if we were not creating chances, then I’d be concerned. We have a cutting edge to the team at the moment, which is pleasing. Goals will come,” Butler said.
The Englishman has introduced a refreshing approach ever since he took over two years ago, choosing to pick young and promising players over established names.
The result has been swashbuckling and confident performances from the likes of Lebogang Ditsile, Tebogo Sosome, Onkabetse Mankgantai, Thato Kebue, Tapiwa Gadibolae and Omaatla Kebatho among others.
The senior crop, including Dambe, Boitumelo Mafoko and Joel Mogorosi, has been the glue that has kept the budding project blossoming.
Similar to COSAFA Cup sponsor, Castle Lager’s tag line, ‘It’s all coming together for the Zebras’.