GU out to defy odds in Egypt

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Thursday July 29, 2010 00:00

 

The Reds flew out with morale high in camp after a slender 1-0 win over the Egyptian side. Gaborone United (GU) will seek to re-write the history books with a shock result against North African opposition.

No Botswana side, including the national team, has managed a result in Egypt although the Zebras' victory over Tunisia early this month might have given GU much-needed belief and impetus. The history-making Reds are seeking to become the first Botswana side to progress to the group stages of a CAF competition. GU have already rewritten the record books by an impressive campaign that saw them break new grounds in the CAF Champions League and the Confederations Cup. Club secretary, Kagiso Sebele, said a 25-member crew, that include 18 players left on Tuesday by road to Johannesburg to fly to Egypt. 'Morale is high in the camp. The players are all looking forward to the game,' Sebele said.

Coach Mike Sithole took utility player, Kenny Ledikwe and Stephen Maposa who were both nursing injuries but should be fit for the game on Saturday. Sebele said the team would defend its slim lead and look for opportunities in a game in which the Egyptian side is expected to dominate. 'The strategy is to defend and then utilise chances that come our way,' Sebele said.

He added that it was difficult to judge El Hoodod based on what happened in the first leg. The Egyptian side were flat in the first leg although they showed glimpses of quality. Their players are physically imposing, which might work against a largely diminutive GU squad.

GU won the first leg thanks to a second half strike from Tshepo 'Schoolboy' Molefe.

Meanwhile, Sebele said the club spends between P350,000 and P400,000 in each round of their African campaign.He said participation in CAF competitions is costly but GU has a reputation of taking part in such tournaments hence their decision to enter. 'We have never failed to participate (in CAF competitions). If we use finance as an excuse, we will never participate in any tournament. Even if you look at the (local) Premier League, we spend more than we receive in prize money,' Sebele explained.

He said their preparations for the new be MOBILE Premier League season, which kicks-off on August 14, are underway. He stated that GU were scheduled to play in the Mecufe Cup in South Africa this weekend, but due to their commitment in the Confederations Cup, they could not honour the invitation