25 Aug 2019

Sowetan sport deputy editor, Tiyani Mabasa has warned the Botswana senior women national football team not to be deceived by the absence of some Banyana Banyana key players during their encounter on August 30.

Botswana and South Africa will lock horns in an Olympic qualifier at the National Stadium.

And South Africa will be without  the services of Janine van Wyk, and Thembi Kgatlana, who are still nursing injuries, while Linda Motlhalo has not been released by her club, Beijing BG Phoenix club.

Mabasa said the three players were key to Banyana Banyana.

“Banyana Banyana have options. And if you look at COSAFA games, they were missing a lot of key players, and they were playing against strong countries and there were other players who came and did the job. 

In some way, the coach is spoilt for choice,” he said.

He highlihighted that the team had a pool of players to use during the absence of others. 

For Botswana to overcome South Africa, he said they should focus and forget about the past results adding that could make them vulnerable to Banyana Banyana.

“They should not say they have lost so many games to South Africa. 

If they look it from that point of view, it will be an advantage for Banyana Banyana, because it means you will have a team that is scared to play against South Africa,” he said.

“It was all about the approach of the game. 

Banyana Banyana know that if they approach it well, play positive football then they will get something,” he said.

He added that Botswana should do a thorough job and show that they had turned over a new leaf. 

“Botswana should demonstrate that it is a new era and it is time to take the game to Banyana,” he said.

Meanwhile, Banyana coach Desiree Ellis has called a squad of 20 players, which is made up of local and foreign-based players to face Botswana. ends