Ronaldo Names Strong Squad For COSAFA Cup
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday September 11, 2017 15:24
Ronaldo assembled a 26-member squad a fortnight ago, but had to cut to six players less as per requirements for the regional tournament.
There are no surprises in the travelling squad as Nkutlwisang kept the crop of the players who were called up for the team’s last international assignment in April last year.
The team’s skipper, Bonang Otlhagile would lead the team that includes a number of household names like, striker Thuto Ramafifi, central midfielder Lebogang Setereke and hard tackling defender, Tlamelo Motlhale of Township Rollers. South African-based goalkeeper, Sedilame Bosija joined the squad on Friday evening after her side, Bloemfontein Celtic, released her.
Speaking at a press briefing in Gaborone on Friday, Ronaldo said due to the fact that the technical team was only given two weeks to prepare the team for the tournament; she did not change much as she opted for experienced players. Nkutlwisang revealed she had invited six players from the Under-20 team that was hammered 7-1 by Kenya in July but she chose players who have been together for a long time. She also revealed that her training camp was affected as most players were tied up due to school commitments.
“We had two weeks to prepare the team, comprising school going players. We (initially) had 26 players in camp, but had to cut down to 20. Although it was a short period, I think we managed to select a strong team with experience and that determination to represent their country. If you look at the squad, most of these players have been playing together for some time now. We are hoping for good results and to represent the country well,” she said.
The team’s captain, Otlhagile echoed the coach’s sentiments as she said the players are ready for a battle in Bulawayo. “As players, we are ready mentally, physically and psychologically for the games.
We are soldiers, we are going there for a fight (and) we are determined to go all out and fight for our country,” she promised.
The team departed for Zimbabwe yesterday and will play their opener against Lesotho on Wednesday before taking on Namibia on Saturday. The She Zebras will play their final group stages match against South Africa on Sunday. Ronaldo’s girls beat women select side 5-3 on Friday evening in a practice match.
The Full Squad:
Goalkeepers
Sedilame Bosija (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa), Refiloe Tshambani (Prisons XI)
Defenders
Masego Montsho (Rollers), Nancy Baeletsi (Prisons XI), Kgomotso Molefe (Double Action), Tlamelo Motlhale (Rollers), Kesegofetse Mochawe (Rollers), Patricia Motingwa (Double Action), Veronica Mogotsi (Double Action), Batlhaloganye Johannes (South East Girls)
Midfielders
Refilwe Matlho (UB Kicks), Thuto Ramafifi (Double Action), Thuso Lesaane (Double Action), Lebogang Setereke (Rollers), Golebaone Selebatso (Gaborone United), Boitumelo Gammu (Double Action)
Strikers
Bonang Otlhagile (Double Action), Refilwe Tholakele (Rollers), Nondi Mahlasela (Prisons XI), Masego Nfandiso (Tswii FC)