Under a new man at the helm, the Zebras are playing with a newfound zeal, and that was evident in full measure during their recent encounters with Libya and Tunisia. Thaloba ‘Machine’ Nthaga has been entrusted with steering the Zebras’ campaign following the departure of Morena Ramoreboli. And if the two matches against formidable North African opposition are anything to go by, Machine is slowly assembling a well-oiled unit. Last Thursday, the Zebras showed little respect for Libya, racing into a two-goal lead courtesy of a first-half brace from experienced striker Tumisang Orebonye. However, some sloppy defending at the death allowed the Libyans to claw their way back and snatch a point. Four days later, against former African champions Tunisia, Botswana again drew first blood, with Thatayaone Kgamanyane breaking the deadlock in the 37th minute. The North Africans responded to restore parity before taking the lead early in the second half. Just when it appeared the Tunisians had gained control of the contest, Lebogang Ditsile stepped up with a superb chipped finish in the 60th minute to restore parity and preserve Botswana’s unbeaten start after two matches. “It was a very good performance away from home, but we could have done better against Libya. Overall, it was a very successful FIFA window,” Nthaga told Mmegi Sport from Tunisia on Monday night. “I am happy that we created chances and took them. This is how I would like the team to play. We will obviously make some mistakes at the back, but if you look at the manner in which we conceded against Libya, we could have done better. Even today (against Tunisia), it is something we need to look into and see how we improve,” he added. The star of the show in Tunisia, however, was 20-year-old Losika Ratshukudu, whose assured display belied his tender age. The Croatia-based midfielder ran the show in the middle of the park, bringing a level of composure and stability that had been missing from the Zebras’ engine room. “A very good performance. He drove us forward and won a lot of free kicks for us, which really helped us progress the ball forward,” Nthaga said.
