11 Feb 2015

Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) fixtures and publicity secretary is optimistic that the Under 19’s will qualify for the World Cup scheduled for Bangladesh next year. 

Sumod Damodah said this in an interview ahead of the team’s departure to compete in the Africa Region Under 19 World Cup qualifiers slated for Dar-E-Salaam, Tanzania. The Dar-E-Salaam games will be played from February 14-20.

Botswana, Namibia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria and Tanzania would be vying for the slot on the global stage. The world cup competitions are held every two years, and Botswana did not qualify for the 2013 world meet.

“Countries come with intentions to qualify for the global spectacle, that is something we can also achieve though it will not be easy,” added Damodar. He said their 14 boys’ squad indicates their efforts in taking cricket to the people as their players are predominantly from government schools across the country.

Damodar said although they have not reached their target he is proud to say they are witnessing fruits from their initiative and they have done away with the perceptions that cricket is for the elite.

Damodar said the squad has been training extensively to enhance their skill prior to the continental spectacle. The publicity secretary said so far they have played two practice matches against select sides, comprising of some of the members of the senior men’s team.

The squad consists of Tumelo Molema, Thabo Motlhabane, Leago Mogano, Mmoloki Mooketsi, Rashaad Mosweu (captain), assisted by Obakeng Eyman, Gape Mere, Lahiru Perera, Tharindu Perera, Tumisang Nshomane, Tshepho Phaswana, Dhruv Maisuria, Hemal Pragji and Aarnav Ram.

The team will be in the hands of Reginald Nehonde and Obert Mosimanje as the coaches, while Karabo Modise will be the manager. They will be back on February 21.  ENDS