F/town Under-23 squad selection ends today

MOGOMOTSI MOLOI
Correspondent | Thursday August 9, 2007 00:00

 

 The selection for the regional Under-23 side started early this week under the guidance of experienced Great North Tigers (GNT) coach Seth Moleofhi, assisted by Gaza Gabasiane (Re ba bona ha coach), Ricardo Marape from Tonota United and TASC's caretaker coach Mothusi Seditse.

Moleofhi said everything is on track though he expected a huge turn out than what they have had. The former TASC coach could not reveal the names of those he has selected saying the process is still going on. 'It is too early to say anything about our select team because we just have a tentative list of players which could change anytime. Our team will only be known when we are done,' Moleofhi explained.     

The game on 18 August would give the national Under-23 side match practice ahead of the Olympic qualifier against Cameroon at the National Stadium in Gaborone. Francistown BFA regional secretary Patrick Mathe told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he was happy with the progress. He stated that though some players got the invitation on short notice, the numbers were convincing. He hoped that they would build a formidable side to take on the Dream Team, which has just made Botswana proud by winning a four nations tournament in China. 'I believe that the coaches would select the best squad out of these guys. The turn-up is good and the boys are eager to display their talent to convince the coaches,' said Mathe. He could not confirm whether or not they have got sponsorship for the game.

He was worried that some companies that initially promised to sponsor them are now dragging their feet. He was due to meet the city mayor and city clerk to discuss the game meant to raise funds for the cash-strapped regional football committee to pay outstanding amounts to referees. The regional body has had problems paying match officials with the outstanding amount estimated at around P30,000.

'There is nothing that we can do without money. I want to appeal to the business community to help us in this thing,' pleaded Mathe. He said that football these days is business and companies have to understand that by sponsoring such games, they get mileage through advertising.