Mmegi

Nthaga confident after bright start

Promising start: Nthaga
Promising start: Nthaga

Interim Zebras coach, Thaloba ‘Machine’ Nthaga, is a confident man after his side picked up two crucial points on the road against North African opponents Libya and Tunisia in the race to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Botswana opened their account against Libya last Thursday, with a Tumisang Orebonye double putting the Zebras on course for a famous victory. However, the hosts fought back late to ensure the spoils were shared. On Monday, the Zebras held Tunisia to a 2-2 draw, leaving Botswana unbeaten after their opening two matches. Next up, the Zebras travel to Uganda in November to face next year’s finals co-hosts.

Uganda have already qualified by virtue of hosting the tournament, leaving Botswana, Libya, and Tunisia to battle for the remaining Group H spot. The fixtures appear favourable to the Zebras, who will conclude their campaign with home matches against Uganda, Libya, and Tunisia. The encounters against Libya and Tunisia are scheduled for March next year. In an interview, Nthaga said his side has a good chance of qualifying after collecting two points from matches in which the Zebras displayed plenty of grit and determination.

Editor's Comment
Ruling party should tread carefully on cadre deployment

But on the particularly sensitive question of cadre deployment, the BNF must tread very carefully.The issue deserves robust debate, not ideological enthusiasm. Recent public comments from the BNF leadership are reassuring: the party has said that government positions should be based on merit and competence rather than party membership, and that it does not have a specific cadre-deployment policy.That principle should remain firmly at the centre...

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