Amrouche takes up Zebras challenge
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday August 27, 2019 15:37
Amrouche has signed a three-year deal and has been set a target to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals. However, the Zebras are in a tough group that has Algeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Botswana Football Association (BFA) National Executive Committee (NEC) member, who was in the technical committee tasked with recruiting the coach, said Amrouche is also expected to win the COSAFA Cup, and have a good run in the World Cup qualifiers.
'We wanted someone who is knowledgeable. He is well travelled. We needed someone who is more than a coach. He is a modern coach with the technical know-how,' Ntshingane said.
Amrouche has coached Burundi, Kenya and Libya national teams, and has a record of taking players to European leagues.
BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti said the target market for local players should be European and not the South African league.
'I want to see my players in Europe and not South Africa,' Letshwiti said.
However, he cautioned that the appointment of Amrouche would not translate to overnight success.
Amrouche, who is of Algerian descent, said he has the passion for football, and hopes, with positive energy from all stakeholders, he would succeed.
'I am happy to be the one for this project. It's not about the clubs, it's not about me, it's about the country. I am passionate about my work,' Amrouche said.
The BFA also announced the appointment of the Under-17 coach, who is Daniel Mokute, with Pio Paul taking charge of the Under-20, while Mogomotsi Mpote is the Under-23 coach.