24 Mar 2021

A David-Goliath battle is expected when Botswana and Zimbabwe lock horns in a Group H AFCON qualifier at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown tomorrow.

Both sides are aware that a win could push them closer to qualification for the continental competition.

However, the Zebras have suffered a major blow because they will miss the attacking pair of Tumisang Orebonye and Kabelo Seakanyeng who are based in Morocco. The duo failed to join the team as a result of travel restrictions.

In an interview, Botswana Football Association (BFA) spokesperson, Tumo Mpatane, confirmed that the two players would not be part of the team today.

“Yes, it is unfortunate that the two Moroccan players will not make it, but that does not mean we should now despair,” Mpatane said.

He said the rest of the players were on camp and determined to put up a fierce combat against the visitors.

Another absentee would be Mothusi ‘Mini’ Cooper who plays for Lusaka Dynamos FC. He would not make it to the squad because of accumulated yellow cards.

Football analyst, Jimmy George, said players had been inactive in their respective clubs, thus it was going to be difficult to plan for Zimbabwe.

George argued that the Zimbabwean team was a strong side given that it had called up most of its foreign-based players, among them, Martin Mapisa who is based in Spain, Lingani Hadebe and Alec Mudimu who ply their trade in Turkey, Knowledge Musona playing in Belgium as well as Tinotenda Kadewere who is based in France.

The Zebras on one hand would pin their hope on the duo of Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele of the South African side Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe who plays for SuperSport United.

George, however, said the most important thing was for the Zebras to avoid embarrassment and injuries.

“It would be risky for us to think about qualifying for AFCON because the team has not been doing what is required in order to qualify.  Players have been inactive for far too long and overexerting themselves will result in them getting injuries.

What is of paramount importance is their safety.

Our success will be in just playing the two games without getting injuries. A win will be just a plus,” he said. ENDS