Tshosane remains cautious despite win

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Friday November 19, 2010 00:00

 

Jerome Ramatlhakwana's first half strike cemented Botswana's position at the summit of Group K but a cautious Tshosane warned qualification could go down to the wire.

Tshosane's men have 13 points, six clear of Tunisia, with Malawi, Togo and Chad on six, two and one respectively. The Zebras now need one more win from their remaining three games to ensure their passage to their maiden AFCON appearance. With the Zebras through, Malawi and Tunisia will fight for second spot that guarantees passage after Togo and Chad drew on Wednesday. Two teams will go through to the 2012 finals from the five-team group. 'Our mission is to concentrate on collecting maximum points in the remaining games,' Tshosane told Mmegi Sport.

He was understandably impressed by his charges on Wednesday. 'We started a little bit shaky but I am glad we finished strongly. I knew this game was crucial so I had to engage psychologists and pastors (to counsel the players). There are a lot of factors that could have put the boys under pressure - the media and fans,' he said. He added that his charges played to his instructions against their much-fancied visitors. Tshosane admitted that the Tunisians looked a better bet to win the tie, but he singles out self-confidence as the key to the Zebras' success on Wednesday. 'The most important thing is to believe in yourself and be confident in your abilities.

Everyone knows Tunisia is better than us both technically and tactically, but I was impressed by the way we played against them despite their status.' He reiterated his faith in Ramatlhakwana and Phenyo Mongala who have not been active at club level. The South Africa-based duo has been sidelined at Santos and Orlando Pirates respectively, but Tshosane continues to get the best out of the pair in the qualifying campaign. The Vasco-bound Ramatlhakwana has weighed in with four goals in the current campaign. 'Some people have previously said I have no vision but at times, I think they are the ones who lack vision. They are the same people who were against the idea of using Jerome, remember some never believed in Mzambiya (Mongala). Look at what these two boys have done. It was the same with Mogogi (Gabonamong), but look at his contribution yesterday [Wednesday]. If he was not there, what were we going to do? People should respect players.'

Gabonamong hardly put a foot wrong on Wednesday after being thrown into the fray in place of the injured Ndiyapo Letsholathebe.

Tshosane said it was inspiring to see President Ian Khama and former president Sir Ketumile Masire backing the Zebras at the UB stadium. 'It was encouraging to see the president in the Zebras' colours at the stadium. Our former president, Masire, called me after the Togo game and promised the team a beast. So I am excited about the support we have received. I want to assure Batswana that we will not disappoint,' he said.