I have never heard of UK-based Batlokwa - Mpote

Mqondisi Dube | Friday May 31, 2019 20:18

 

“I am not aware (of such a player), but if he is eligible to play for us, then the doors are always open.

The national team is his. We can bring him and see what he offers,” Mpote said. The coach was speaking on Tuesday after announcing a predominantly Under-23 side to face neighbours South Africa in the quarterfinals of the regional COSAFA Cup tournament in Durban on Sunday.

Batlokwa has been overlooked for the national team selection, despite being eligible to play for Botswana.  The attacking midfielder was born in Botswana, but moved to England at the age of six.

The closest he came to a call-up was in 2017, when Englishman, Peter Butler was in charge, but the coach left his job soon after.

Batlokwa spoke of his desire to represent his country of birth.

“The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is aware of me and I believe that once they are ready, they will get in touch,” he said this week.

The player, who turns 22 in December, will leave Southend after the season ends, but remained mum on his next destination.

Meanwhile, Mpote has said the coming matches against Bafana Bafana and Zambia’s Chipolopolo are not necessarily career defining.

The two matches probably present Mpote’s toughest assignments since he replaced David Bright in March. His first match was against Angola in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, before he took on lightweights, Seychelles in a two-legged African Nations Championships (CHAN) qualifier.  He lost to Angola but convincingly prevailed over Seychelles to set up a date against Zambia.

The match against Zambia is still weeks away, but on Sunday, he faces South Africa in the COSAFA Cup quarterfinals.

South Africa has named a youthful squad, with only France-based Keagan Dolly being the only experienced player.

“I am not thinking much about South Africa or Zambia. If they can put my philosophy into practice, then we will do well,” Mpote said.