Young Zebras coach aim to go all the way

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday December 3, 2010 00:00

 

The event kicks-off this afternoon with a dream clash between the Young Warriors of Zimbabwe and Young Zebras and Matlhaku has said he wants to improve on his team's third place finish last year. Botswana face Zimbabwe in the group stages for the second year running. The clash takes place at 4pm at the UB Stadium, venue of wild celebrations a fortnight ago when the senior Zebras beat Tunisia 1-0. When Botswana met Zimbabwe in the junior regional tournament last year, the match ended 2-2 with the Young Zebras proceeding to the semis where they were blanked 3-0 by South Africa.

Matlhaku told Mmegi Sport after watching his charges hold their last work-out at the SSKB Stadium that he is ready for the opening duel against the Young Warriors of Zimbabwe.

He said the target is to reach the final and even win the tournament in which Zambia are the defending champions.

Matlhaku has every reason to be optimistic as his young charges can bank on home-ground advantage and the passionate support of their fans. Besides, the bulk of his players ply their trade in the Premier League.

During yesterday's training session at the SSKB, both Matlhaku and his assistant, Mogomotsi 'Teenage' Mpote emphasised keeping possession and passing. 'We are ready now,' declared Matlhaku. 'We have a slight advantage in that most of the players are from Premier League clubs. We believe this will give them confidence. I promise the fans a win tomorrow (today),' he said.

He said there are no serious injuries in camp except for a few players carrying minor knocks.

Matlhaku said he does not have much information about his opponents this afternoon as well as Swaziland, whom the Young Zebras play in Molepolole on Sunday. 'I do not know much about them but I have an idea of how they play. However, it is difficult to judge their performance on what you see at senior team level,' he said.

The top team in each of the four groups proceed to the semi-finals. Botswana's group now has three teams after the withdrawal of Malawi.

In Group B, South Africa are favoured to progress at the expense of Namibia and Lesotho. In Group C, defending champions, Zambia face a tough hurdle as they are paired with Angola and Mauritius. Group D has Mozambique, Madagascar and Seychelles. The tournament, which runs from today to December 12, is being held outside South Africa for the first time.