06 Jul 2021

As they go into the COSAFA tournament starting next Tuesday, the Zebras do so with only one thing in mind: victory.

Senior national football team coach, Letang ‘Rasta’ Kgengwenyane told a press conference Wednesday that the boys, who went into camp from June 2, were upbeat.

“We have a formidable line-up. The technical team is happy with the players’ response and performance in the field,” he said.

They were also happy at the fact the team was injury free.

The players’ fitness levels were very good and he believed they would have reached their peak performance by the beginning of the tournament.

The Zebras are in Group B together South Africa, Lesotho, and eSwatini. Moroccan-based players Kabelo Seakanyeng and Tumisang Orebonye are excepted to join the team in South Africa.

Coach Kgengwenyana also said he was satisfied with the new COSAFA format, which was more competitive and offered players more game-time and exposure.

“In the old format, we were only going to play three games then go to the final, so the new format means we have a chance to play five games and this will give our players more game time and exposure,” he said.

To ensure the team lacked nothing and that the players were motivated, the Botswana Football Association had ensured that all stores and equipment were in place.

“We have also looked at the aspect of allowances because the team has made a commitment that they will play all the games, and they will also go to the final, and that is a key commitment that we found important,” said chief executive officer Goabaone Taylor.

Furthermore, she said, they were currently working with the government towards coming up with an incentive for the players. Zebra’s squad for 2021 COSAFA Cup incclude;

Goalkeepers: Ezekiel Morake, Lesenya Malepela and Keeagile Kgosipula.

Defenders: Goitseone Legopelo, Thabo Leinanyane, Mothusi Johnson, Kitso Mangolo, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Thato Kebue, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Fortunate Thulare.

Midfielders: Mothusi Cooper, Godiraone Modingwane, Gape Gagoangwe, Kutlwelo Mpolokang, Gape Mohutsiwa, Segolame Boy and Thatayaone Kgamanyane. Strikers: Mpho Kgomo, Tshepo Malgas, Thero Setsile, Kago Monyake, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Elias Mbatshi, Tumisang Orebonye and Godfrey Tauyatswala. Ends