Young Zebras ready for Namibia

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Friday October 8, 2010 00:00

 

 The depleted Young Zebras got a slight boost when Gaborone United (GU) midfield grafter, Ofentse Nato and BDF XI defender Gaopatwe 'Shoes' Seosenyeng recovered from injuries ahead of the crucial tie.

However, coach Daniel 'Chicco' Nare will have to wait a little longer before he knows whether Santos will allow their suspended striker Mogakolodi 'Tsotso' Ngele to feature for the Young Zebras. The Under-23 technical team sought the Botswana Football Association's (BFA) intervention to get Ngele, who is at the centre of a wrangle between Santos and Township Rollers.

Nare told Mmegi Sport that preparations for the game were on course with his only worry being the unavailability of a proven goal poacher.

'We have a (good) team, but our only handicap is that I don't have a proven goal scorer. Nato and Shoes have recovered and that is a positive development,' he said.

In the absence of Ngele and the United States-based Aubrey Kebonnetse, Nare will rely on Extension Gunners' sensational striker, Hendrick Moyo and Notwane's Lemogang Maswena. Moyo made history last week by scoring the first goal at the new Lobatse stadium within only 12 minutes of the game, helping his club beat GU 2-1 in a league clash.

Meanwhile, the Namibians have been hard at work, preparing for the clash. Reports say the Young Brave Warriors have been preparing for the tie for about three weeks under coach Bernard Kaanjuka assisted by Ricardo Mannetti. In August, they played South Africa in a friendly.

On the contrary, Nare's boys have had minimal training and the BFA failed to secure international friendly matches after Swaziland and South Africa snubbed the Young Zebras.

Nare watched his charges hold GU to a 1-1 draw in a practice match on Wednesday before wrapping up preparations with a tie against Gunners yesterday.

He said that he knows little about the visitors.

'I do not know much about them except that the bulk of the team is made up of players coming from their Under-20 side. They also have a number of players from the Premier League,' he said.

Reigning Namibia Premier League, Player of the Year, Maximillian Mbaeva is likely to guard goals for the visitors.He turns out for African Stars. Internationals Eslin Kamuhanga (winger) and Roger Katjiteo (striker) will be expected to lead the team.

For the Young Zebras, Township Rollers' agile shot-stopper, Kabelo Dambe looks set to start the match with his club mate Simisani Mathumo playing at right-back.

Zebras' star anchorman, Nato, will be expected to give shape to the team in the engine room while Kgololo Leteane provided pace on the right wing. Notwane midfield dynamo Kgaodi 'Deco' Odirile said they will draw inspiration from the senior team's recent fine run. The Zebras are on the verge of qualifying for their maiden Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Kgaodi believes the team has what it takes to imitate the seniors. 'We have been together as a team from Under-20 level and I believe we have what it takes to win games at this level. We are ready for Namibia,' he said.

The return match will be in Windhoek on December 17. Zebras' probable starting line-up: Kabelo Dambe (Rollers), Kaelo Kgaswane (Gaborone United), Simisani Mathumo (Rollers), Kabo Rasuping (BDF XI), Gaopatwe Seosenyeng (BDF XI), Gofaone Molapi (Miscellaneous), Ofentse Nato (Gaborone United), Lemogang Maswena (Notwane), Hendrick Moyo (Gunners), Kgololo Leteane, Motsholetsi Sikele (BMC).