The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has said German football expert, Dr Caroline Braun was assisting Zebras coach, Adel Amrouche when she sat on the bench during an international friendly encounter against Egypt on Monday night.
Questions were raised when Amrouche roped in Braun, who came into the country earlier this year, at the recommendation of the German government, ahead of the trip to Cairo.
A technical expert, Braun has been involved in both the men and women’s game, but was expected to focus on the latter, which has been faltering in recent years.
BFA general manager-football operations, Monnakgotla Mojaki said there is no shift in Braun’s duties.
“She was assisting. She has her role at the BFA, which was clearly defined when she joined. Every now and then, she can assist if she is requested, and it doesn’t interfere with her main role,” Mojaki said.
He dismissed concerns over the high number of people involved in the technical team since Amrouche took charge, arguing that too many cooks will not spoil the broth. “I don’t think there are too many cooks.
Remember, the first assistant works for BDF, and the second is a coach educator and Under-20 coach,” Mojaki argued.
“They may be engaged elsewhere and the coach will possibly have the other assist or the other way round. In any case, six eyes is better than four. Football needs more specialists.”
Since taking charge at the end of August, Amrouche has worked with Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote, who later left the set-up amid concerns of bubbling tensions. Mpote was replaced by Letang ‘Rasta’ Kgengwenyane, with Under-20 coach, Pio Paul also in the mix. Braun joined for the Egypt game, and assisted the coach.
It is said Amrouche was impressed with Braun’s work ethic and decided to enlist her services in the men’s team.“The coach felt that she can do the job. It is a positive thing for the country, as her expertise if fully utilised.
The coach has said that if there is any person who can add value to the national team, the door is open,” said an official in the technical team, speaking on condition of anonymity.
“Amrouche feels that she is one of the best in video analysis and she can add value to the technical team.”
Meanwhile, Amrouche was impressed with what he saw of the players after a narrow 1-0 defeat to the seven-time African champions on Monday night.
Amrouche handed Thatayaone Ditlokwe the captain’s band, taking it away from Simisane Mathumo.
The coach said he was impressed with the discipline of the players. Another highlight in Egypt was the second half introduction of UK-based Southend United attacking midfielder, Renei Batlokwa.
“It’s ok. I think with time he will be good. Nice boy, he enjoyed to be in the national team and has a very positive mentality. He is a player for the future,” Amrouche said.
