12 Aug 2019

The senior women national football team registered its second victory in Slovakia,  beating FK Propad Football Club 2-0 in a game played at NTC Stadium on August 11.

Lesego Radiakanyo, who missed their game against Partizán Bardejov on Wednesday, opened the score sheet in the 16th minute while the second goal, which was a penalty, was converted by Refilwe Tholakelo.

The 20-year-old Radiakanyo, who was a marvel to watch, said in an interview that she enjoyed the game, adding that she was also happy with her performance given that it was her first time to play in Europe.

“Our opponents were too physical, but I used my speed to my advantage and netted the first goal,” she said.

Furthermore, she said FK Propad gave them a good match practice ahead of their Olympic Games qualifier against South Africa on August 30.

Assistant coach, Alex Malete, said in an interview that they played well, although the players missed a lot of scoring opportunities.

“We always tell our players that in every game, regardless of whether the opponents are very strong or not strong, we should always give our best, so that the result is a true reflection of the difference between the two teams,” he said.

Malete said they managed to keep possession, but the players did not move the ball quickly, adding they had advantage in the attacking third, but they could not convert.   He, however, said they would work on the players at training to ensure that they utilised their chances inside the box.

“We tried to press very high up-field but there were instances where our opponents played out of the back easily, I think those are the main key points that we should work on,” he said.

FK Propad coach, Slavomír Šoltýs, said he was happy that he was playing against Botswana senior women national  football team and that alone gave him a new experience, looking at the team’s style of play.

He said Botswana had a pool of young and talented players, who should be kept together, given that they understood each other and their communication skills during the game gave them victory.

“I wish Botswana best of luck against South Africa, if they believe in themselves, then the sky is the limit,” he said. ENDS