23 Jul 2015

Under-20 women’s team coach, Sepheko Motlhagodi says the team has prepared well for the second leg of the FIFA Under-20 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa.

The two neighbours clash at Molepolole Sports Complex today with Botswana nursing a bruised ego after South Africa defeated them 8-1 in the first leg played in Johannesburg a fortnight ago. 

Motlhagodi said during a press conference yesterday that his side was ready for the game.

 “We have been in camp for the past two weeks, and we have been working very hard with our preparations.” 

He attributed the 8-1 whacking they received two weeks ago to inadequate preparations, stating that some players were engaged with school examinations. 

The coach said their biggest challenge in the first leg was that the players were unfit. 

Motlhagodi said they have worked on their weakness and believes his players were ready to take on their opponents.

“We conceded eight goals and to reverse such a score line is not easy, but we are expecting a good match today. We are going to counter their strengths and make sure we take advantage of their weakness,” he said.

He said if they could approach the match with a positive mindset anything could happen. 

Refilwe Tholakele, the team’s captain, said the mood was good in camp and that the team was looking forward to the game. 

She said their hard work during the past two weeks have helped them improve some aspects of their game.

The team consists of the following:

Goalkeepers - Sedilame Boseja (Township Rollers), Tlamelo Pheresi (Gaborone United)

Defenders - Oratile Baraedi (Meat Girls), Gorata Morekolodi (Big Sisters), Gonayamodimo Macha (Gaborone United) and Nancy Baeletsi (Rollers).

Midfielders - Wame Letshelela (Francistown SSS), Marea Muchenge (BISA/McConnell), Semphete Segwati (Matshekge), Warona Molete (South East Girls), Kesego Mathatsa (Big Sisters), Refilwe Matlho (Lobatse Brigade), Segolame Kampedi (Double Action), Boitshoko Moalosi (Rollers), Kefilwe Lentswe (Prisons) and Banyana Thekiso (Blackburn)

Strikers: Refilwe (McConnell) and Masego Koboto (Rollers). Ends