23 Mar 2021

A battle of epic proportions is expected at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on Thursday when Botswana senior national football team; the Zebras meet the Warriors of Zimbabwe in a Group H AFCON qualifier.

A Zebras victory would be great motivation prior to the last group encounter with Algeria, which is leading the group.

On position two is Zimbabwe with five points, while the Zebras are on position three with four points and Zambia on position four with three points.

A win for Botswana would mean ascending to position two, and stand a chance to qualify for the AFCON finals depending on how Zambia and Zimbabwe play as well as how the Zebras play against Algeria.

Recently, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Tumiso Rakgare, motivated the team ahead of the crucial Thursday encounter.

The minister told players about the importance of winning the encounter, adding that he was confident that the Zebras could overcome the Warriors.

“If we qualify for AFCON, as players you will be in a good position to showcase your talent at an international stage and stand a chance to secure contracts at more developed leagues,” he said.

On Saturday, Botswana Football Association president and CAF executive member, MacLean Letshwiti also visited the players to motivate them.

Letshwiti was quoted on the BFA Facebook page saying it was paramount that the team give the two pending games their all and make the nation proud.

“You’re the diamonds of this country and we want you to shine bright.

As players, you must know that you are two matches away from becoming historians. It will be your name embedded in Batswana’s hearts as the second generation to qualify for AFCON finals.  

We can do so when we collectively play for the team with determination and passion. The BFA is fully behind you and we wish you well,” said Letshwiti. ENDS