Zebras secure Burkina Faso friendly

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Tuesday August 20, 2013 00:00

 

BFA chief executive officer, Keith Masters confirmed the international friendly match.'We will play Burkina Faso on Independence. It's going to be a big game - they are AFCON finalists,' Masters told Mmegi Sport.While news of playing Burkina Faso will likely be pleasing, Zebras' coach will be more concerned about getting a practice match ahead of the World Cup tie against South Africa next month.After Group A leaders, Ethiopia, received a three-point deduction they no longer automatically qualify for the play-offs as Botswana and South Africa still have a chance of topping the group. The Zebras could proceed to the play-offs if they beat South Africa in Durban and Ethiopia loses to Central African Republic in the last round of qualifiers early next month.But the team was inactive last Wednesday while Bafana Bafana played Nigeria. Gordon Igesund's charges went on to play Burkina Faso over the weekend and won 2-0.

Masters said BFA are working around the clock to secure matches for the team.The association has dismissed reports that they waived a friendly proposal by Malawi on July 28. The Flames had wanted to play Zebras during the FIFA international friendly date.Masters said the Malawi issue was unfortunate and he is hopeful the team will play Libya in Morocco on August 28.'We are trying desperately to get a friendly match. We wanted a friendly on Saturday and one on the following Wednesday. We met the minister last week to discuss issue,' he said.Masters said the proposed game against Angola on Saturday was in doubt with indications that they have another international engagement on the day.

The game would have been played at the National Stadium following its reopening after a lengthy closedown.'We invited Angola but they were unable to come. So we are rushing trying to get a game. On the 28th we are likely to play Libya in Morocco.' Masters is well aware the foreign-based players will not be involved against Libya as the South Africa league is already full swing.'To be quite honest, I'm getting us a game the probability (of getting the foreign-based players) is no.'Botswana has seven national team players plying their trade in the ABSA Premiership and Tshosane has made it clear he would have wanted to involve them in any friendly he plays before the crucial Bafana tie.