Rowe, who has been widely criticised for his rather negative approach to the game, came under fire at the National Stadium in Gaborone on Sunday night after a goalless draw against visiting Libya. With this in mind, Rowe might be tempted to go for an attacking approach since a defeat for Zebras could spell doom for the Englishman many people would love to hate.
But when he left for the Great Lakes region, Rowe was confident that his charges would fight to the bitter end. Zebras narrowly beat Burundi 1-0 in Gaborone in March through substitute Thato Siska's strike and the Burundians will obviously be looking for revenge. Currently sitting in the second spot with four points behind continental champions Egypt, Botswana knows that a win would put them in a better position to qualify for the 2008 games in Ghana for the first time. "We've been trying different systems since we do not know what kind of approach Burundi will display. It's difficult to play away but we will try to get a win. A draw will also be satisfactory," Rowe told Mmegi Sport. The Briton said he is aware that a satisfactory result will improve the Zebras' chances of reaching the African showpiece. Rowe pleaded with soccer fans to continue supporting the team though the "ugly scenes" at the match against Libya disappointed him. It might be frustrating for Rowe that though the Zebras have not conceded a goal in their last two qualifiers against Egypt and Burundi, some people are still baying for his blood.
When they left yesterday, Rowe made five changes to the team, which beat Burundi in Gaborone two months ago. Mochudi Centre Chiefs' on-form striker Pontsho Moloi has come in for Siska. Though he did not feature against Libya, it is reported that Moloi would be given a run against Burundi. It is not yet clear whether he would start the game or not. South African-based midfielder Mogogi Gabonamong and Tshepo Motlhabankwe did not travel with the team. Gabonamong has refused to join the team while Motlhabankwe is serving a one-match suspension. It is expected that youngster Dirang Moloi will start the game while Diphetogo Selolwane will partner Jerome Ramatlhakwana upfront. Rowe further told Mmegi Sport that he has confidence in his team.
Though they are playing away from home, Burundi is likely to enjoy massive support, as thousands of Burundians are set to cross the border to Kigali. With the rivalry, which is there between the two countries, some Rwandans might opt to rally behind the Zebras, something which might make Rowe's boys feel at home. Selemani Musaba, Hassani Hakizimana, Elvis Banyihwabe and Flozibert Ndanyisaba are some of the players who might torment the Zebras' defence. At the back, Burundians will heavily rely on experienced Jomo Cosmos' defender Valery Nahayo. The Zebras are expected home on Tuesday to prepare for their date with Mauritania on June 16.
