01 Oct 2019

A fierce battle is expected at the Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka when Botswana and Zambia women clash in a Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifier.

Both coaches, Gaolethoo Nkutwisang of Botswana and Bruce Mwape of Zambia understand the importance of the football fixture.

Therefore, they vowed to leave no stone unturned in their effort to proceed to the round.

Nkutwisang said in a press briefing in Lusaka that her team was ready to face Zambia.

She said she was cognizant of the fact that the game would not be easy, adding that they were determined to turn the tables.

“We managed to see Zambia playing in COSAFA and that is one thing I will take as an advantage,” she said.

Nkutwisang said beating South Africa in the last game inspired her team to work “even harder.”

Botswana captain, Bonang Otlhagile, said morale in camp was high and they managed to acclimatise to the hot Zambia weather.

She, however, cautioned that, their 4-0 loss against Zambia in COSAFA should not deceive their opponents given that, tomorrow Zambia would be playing against a different side.

“The team that was beaten by Zambia was a different team, we were in Slovakia, so it will be a total new game and again it is a game of football. It is not what happened in the past, but what matters is what will happen in this game” she said.

Mwape said they had played against Botswana on numerous occasions, adding that the Olympic qualifier would not be easy.

“Both teams know each other, and I can bet, it will be a 50-50 affair, where everyone want to win and qualify for the Olympics,” he said.

He said having captain Barbara Banda in the team was an added advantage given that she had scored more goals for Zambia, adding that he was confident that she will diligently lead the team.

 “The game must actually end here, unless otherwise, but as far as I am concerned, Barbara’s presence will add value to the team”.

For her part, Banda said she was happy she had joined the team adding that the team was in good shape.

She said she was confident that she would add value to the team, saying that the coach had confidence on her.

Mwape said he had two foreign based players: Rachael Kundananji and Misozi Zulu missing in his squad.

However, he managed to make adjustments. ENDS