18 Jun 2015

The Zebras have left for Lesotho where they will battle it out with Likoena in the fourth edition of the African Nations Cup Championships (CHAN) qualifiers on Sunday June 21. The national senior soccer side carries a formidable lineup to Maseru, which is capable of upsetting Lesotho in their own turf.

Both the coach, Peter ‘PJ’ Butler, and the players know very well that Batswana are thirsty for victory. The coach told the media in a press conference that they arrived from Uganda where they lost 2-0 and never took a break. 

He said although the players performed very well, he was also disappointed with the Uganda defeat. He however said the defeat is water under the bridge, as they are now focused on the game against Lesotho.

Butler said the only players who are not with the team are Joel Mogorosi, Mogakolodi Ngele and Kabelo Dambe because they do not qualify for CHAN.

He said he was confident that the team is made up of strong, young and hungry players.  He said that Lesotho is a strong side and Batswana should exercise patience because he is using a young team. 

He noted that the country trails behind others in terms of development and professional structures.He warned that there are no minor teams in football, arguing that people should not be misled by FIFA rankings.

“What people should know is that we are not the whipping boys, and I have absolute confidence that we can go over the two legs against Lesotho and get the desired results,” he said. He said he knows Lesotho very well, and added that his team once won against them. 

He said nothing will stop them from winning against Lesotho.  The game will be played in Maseru at Setsoto Stadium. Zebras players who have travelled with the team are;

Goalkeepers: Goitseone Phoko (Gaborone United) Keeagile Kgosipula, Mwampole Masule (Township Rollers).
Defenders: Oscar Ncenga, Obonye Moswate (Township Rollers), Tebogo Sosome (Jwaneng Galaxy) Katlego Koobake (Extension Gunners) Mosha Gaolaolwe (BDFX1), Tapiwa Gadibolae, Lopang Mosige (Orapa United)
Midfielders: Kabelo Seakanyeng (BDF XI), Segolame Boy, Lebogang Ditsele (Township Rollers), Edwin Olerile, Ofentse Nato, Mpho Kgaswane (Gaborone United), Letlhogonolo Senwelo (Police XI), Thabiso Mabachi (Extension Gunners)
Strikers: Omaatla Kebatho (Sankoyo Bush Bucks), Onkabetse Makgantai (Nico United) and Hendrick Moyo (Orapa United). ENDS