25 Mar 2015

The national Under 23 team will face Likoena of Lesotho in a friendly match tonight (March 25) at the National Stadium at 7pm.

In a bid to promote the Under 23 team to the senior national team, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) is using the game to prepare the team for the COSAFA games billed for South Africa in May and the All Africa Games and Olympic qualifiers. 

In their last encounter, the Zebras defeated Lesotho 2-0 in a friendly game played in Gaborone last year. Goals by Thato Ogopotse and Onkabetse Makgantai secured a win for the Zebras.  The Zebras will now attempt to repeat last year’s feat and to prove that they were a better side as they once more clash with Likoena.

Zebras mentor, Peter Butler called on the likes of Nico United striker, Mankgatai and Gaborone United goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko, players who have shown potential, which granted them the chance to prove their worth.

A few more youngsters were given a call up for the tie against the Likoena.  They would be eager to impress the coach, prove to the nation that they deserved their call up and possibly cement their place in the national team. 

As Butler’s mandate was to build a solid team, this would be a good platform for the coach to assess the squad and assemble a team that could raise Botswana’s flag high in football circles. On one hand, Likoena will come with a mission to retaliate against the Zebras and reverse last year’s defeat. 

They will be cautious of Butler’s young side and work on preparing themselves for the COSAFA challenge as well. In the Lesotho squad, Lekhanya returned alongside teammates Poloko Mohale, Phafa Tsosane, Litsepe Marape among players selected to travel to Botswana.

Tickets for the game are P30 for the grand stand, P20 behind the goal posts.  They are available at Shoprite bus station, Kgale/Game City, Molepolole, Francistown, Maun, Checkers Airport Junction as well as Super Save Mochudi. ENDS