Zebras look to kick aside Seychelles
Mqondisi Dube | Friday May 10, 2019 15:15
Botswana carries a comfortable 2-0 lead from the first leg played in Lobatse last month.
However, minnows Seychelles, might draw strength from this week’s dramatic UEFA Champions League results that saw both Liverpool and Tottenham overturn 3-0 deficits.
But Seychelles does not carry the two English giants’ charisma and arsenal, and might find their mission to dispose the Zebras, a bridge too far.
Interim Zebras coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote said if they do all the basics right, they should qualify for the second round.
Mpote has called up Township Rollers defender, Mosha Gaolaolwe to shore up the defence. Gaolaolwe had issues with the Botswana Football Association (BFA), which made him ineligible for selection, but the two parties have since kissed and made up.
The Zebras, at number 148, are ranked above Seychelles (195) and should not raise much sweat in securing only a second victory in nearly a year.
If the Zebras kick Seychelles aside, they will set-up a mouth watering date against fading giants, The Copper Bullets of Zambia, who have struggled after their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations’ crowning moment.
The Zebras departed for Seychelles in two batches, with the first leaving on Tuesday, while the remainder left on Wednesday.
The full squad: Lesenya Malapela, Ezekiel Morake, Alford Velaphi, Mothusi Johnson, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Thabo Leinanyana, Gape Mohutsiwa, Lebogang Ditsele, Thero Setsile, Segolame Boy, Gofone Mabaya, Segolame Boy, Gofaone Mabaya, Joel Mogorosi, Tumisang Orebonye, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Tumiso Mashakola, Gilbert Baruti, Kekaetswe Moloi, Fortunate Thulare, Allen Ndodole