Women's Under-23 face tough task in Zambia

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Tuesday October 19, 2010 00:00

 

The team is aware of the mammoth task that awaits it in the Zambian capital. Botswana has to score four clear goals to go through to the next round.

However, coach Gaoletlhoo 'Ronaldo' Nkutlwisang remains optimistic that her team will defy odds. She said her charges had shown much improvement in training sessions held after the first leg.

Nkutlwisang declared that Zambia can be beaten, blaming the first leg defeat on poor form.

'My players are determined and I am very confident that we will make it,' Nkutlwisang said. She said they have put the last game behind them and will treat their second encounter as a new game. 'People should not judge us by past results. Anything can happen in football,' Nkutlwisang said.

Though she said they had enough preparations Nkutlwisang felt they should have played an international friendly match.

She believes the team should have been in camp for a longer period for players to be able to gel.

She said they had identified and rectified their mistakes. The tactician said her team's undoing was poor communication between defenders and the goalkeeper. She said her players also suffered from stage fright, as most of them had not competed at this level before.

The winner will face South Africa in the second round.

Full squad: Wame Guilty, Tlamelo Motlhale, Sendelina Kajiwa, Gauta Tsebe and Amogelang Moahi (all from Township Rollers), Ridona Sefiwa, Thuso Leseane, Nthabiseng Mogatle, Bonang Othagile, Thuto Ramafifi and Kgomotso Molefhe (Double Action), Kagiso Ramokereita and Ntebogang Eshietlho (Kanye Swallows), Nondy Mahlasela (Untouchable), Golebaone Selebatso (Golden Girls). Tshoganetso Keiterile (Prisons) and Kelebileone Leboro (BMC).