England-based Batlokwa out of Under-20 contention
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday November 9, 2016 15:34
Batlokwa has been monitored by Zebras coach, Peter Butler and was expected to play a part when the national side took on Angola during the Independence Day match at the National Stadium.
However, the former Notwane junior sustained an injury and did not make the trip.
Additionally, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) had reportedly indicated that it was financially hamstrung to fly the 19-year-old.
“Unfortunately I am out until the new year. I was in touch with Butler, but got injured just before Independence Day,” Batlokwa said from England yesterday. Butler is a former Southend player.
Batlokwa has been an instrumental player for Southend’s Under-21 side, but suffered a knee injury in a 1-1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge in September.
Botswana has been drawn against South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland for the 2016 tournament, which kicks-off on December 7 and runs until December 16 in the North West in South Africa.
The Under-20 technical team will be announced next week Wednesday, with Davies Kopi and George Mogopodi expected to be confirmed as coaches while there might be room for Butler, who has been on a scouting mission across the country.