27 Sep 2018

The Zebras went into camp September 27 to prepare for the 52nd independence celebrations friendly encounter against the Brave Warriors of Namibia at the National Stadium.

The match starts at  3pm and supporters will be allowed free entry into the stadium. The last meeting between the two sides was during the COSAFA Castle Cup two years ago with

Botswana beating their western neighbours 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate in regulation time.

Zebras head coach David Bright has named a mostly inexperienced 20-man squad for the encounter, with the goalkeeping department comprising of Township Rollers custodian Keeagile Kgosipula and the uncapped Ezekiel Morake from Jwaneng Galaxy. 

Although Kgosipula has been part of the Zebras set up for a while, he has not played many matches at senior international level. Morake was roped in after sterling performances with the diamond mining town club, which includes five clean sheets in the opening six matches, including Tuesday’s 1-0 victory against Notwane.

However, Bright has opted for defenders he has used since the beginning of the year such as Simisane Mathumo, Mosha Gaolaolwe and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Rollers), Tshepo Maikano (Gaborone United) and Lesego Keredilwe (Orapa United).

The only defender who has no international appearance is Onkabetse ‘Kaizer’ Seforo from BDF XI. In the midfield, the veteran coach handed youngsters Tlhalefo Molebatsi from Notwane and Tshepo Malgas from Sharps Shooting Stars their first senior national team call up.

The youngsters have been in impressive forms for their teams in the BTC Premiership. Other selected midfielders are the Jwaneng Galaxy trio of Thero Setsile, Karabo Phiri and Lebogang Ditsele, Segolame Boy and Motsholetsi Sikele (Rollers), Keeagile Kobe (BDF XI) and Mpho Kgomo (Police XI).

Upfront, Bright has recalled Bonolo Fraiser. This follows impressive performances by the burly striker for his new club Police XI.  Tumisang Orebonye (Rollers) and Omaatla Kebatho (Orapa United) will also shoulder the goal scoring burden upfront. Ends