13 Jul 2014

The Zebras will play Likoena of Lesotho in a friendly match at the National Stadium today (July 14) to prepare for their AFCON qualifier against Guinea Bissau. The games kicks off at 6 p.m.

Coach Peter Butler said the players were ready for the encounter, adding that the game will give him another chance to assess his charges ahead of the 2015 AFCON qualifier that is scheduled for July 19 in Gaborone.

Butler said he would give his players the opportunity to express themselves by letting young players show that they had the merit to don national colours.

The Zebras played a practice match against Galaxy FC on Wednesday and won 2-1 courtesy of Jerome Ramatlhakwana and Thato Ogopotse goals. 

It remains to be seen if the local lads will continue with their winning streak, especially that players who might impress the coach in the friendly would stand a chance at making the starting 11.

Although Butler’s line-up proved difficult to predict, some players who might find themselves in the starting line-up are Mwampule Masule at goal, with Ramatlhakwana and Jackie Mothathego leading the attack. 

As Butler believes in young players, it will not come as a surprise if he includes Karabo Phiri, who scored a brilliant goal against Tanzania in the first 11.

It will be a mistake for the Zebras to undermine Lesotho, who proved over time that they were a strong team given their performance at the 2013 COSAFA tournament in Zambia.

Tickets are sold at Shoprite outlets in Gaborone, Molepolole, Francistown, Maun, Checkers Airport Junction and U-Save stores in Mochudi. Tickets will not be sold at the stadium. ENDS