Rowe admitted that since Madagascar have not been playing for a while after being suspended by the world soccer governing body FIFA, it was difficult to assess them but expressed confidence his charges will deliver on Saturday. "I have been looking at the tape of the game in which we beat them 2-0 here in the COSAFA Castle Cup. All the official matches are difficult but we are ready for them and should win this game," he said. Madagascar is expected to jet into the country tomorrow. Regarding other opponents in the group, Rowe said that with Ivory Coast, it will be easier to get information on them since their players are well known internationally. He has been studying some tapes about the Mozambicans as well.
The international players have joined the camp, including first choice goalkeeper Modiri Marumo, who is currently based in Egypt, and Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane and Michael Mogaladi (South African). The trio will add a much-needed value and hopefully bring back the confidence that other players might have lost after crashing out of African Nations Championship (CHAN). But the notable absentee on the team list is Cape Town Santos' midfielder Mogogi Gabonamong. According to the Botswana Football Association (BFA) technical director, Losika Keatlholetswe, Gabonamong sent him an sms, informing him that he has an ankle injury. Keatlholetswe also said that they have a medical team which examines the fitness of the players but unfortunately they cannot reach Gabonamong. "I have not spoken to him except the sms he sent me. The mobile number that he used to send the message is off so we have not been able to talk to him," he said.
