Women team lose to DRC

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Tuesday March 9, 2010 00:00

 

The game was played at the UB Stadium on Sunday. Botswana women started well but failed to utilise the few scoring opportunities that came their way. They could have been ahead as early as the fourth minute but failed to punish a blunder by DRC goalkeeper, Lemika Mbo who left her post early in an attempt to cut out Nondy Mahlasela's corner.

DRC scored through Ivonne Malembo before Banzuzi Dianteso's header made it 2-0. Though Botswana lost the game the team can take solace in its overall performance. The women showed tactical awareness but lacked urgency and aggression.

Botswana players were physically disadvantaged compared to their opponents.

Goalkeeper, Wame Guilty was the star of the day as she kept the visitors at bay. Her reflexes were superb but she was let down by her defence.

The team showed promise though player-coach, Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang was not assertive enough. With a better coach, it seems the team can go places. Nkutlwisang has been thrown into the deep end without much coaching experience.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) development officer, Tshepo Mphukuthi said they are aware of the complaints about the coach. However, he stated that she is the best they could get. Nkutlwisang has a FIFA intermediate coaching qualification though she does not have experience as this is her first assignment. Mphukuthi said she is still young and will grow with the team and this is a big advantage.

He wondered why people doubt the coach when she managed to assemble such a strong side. Mphukuthi said this is not the first time a player has been appointed coach. Botswana will travel to DRC for the second leg in a fortnight and the winner will face Cameroon in the second round. DRC are now favoured to go through as they carry a healthy advantage. The finals of the competition will be held in South Africa in September.