13 Nov 2023

It will be one game at a time for the new Zebras coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa as he looks forward to the two impending 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Mozambique and Guinea.

Both matches will be played at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown on November 16 and November 21 respectively.

Each game remains extremely important for Da Rosa to set the tone and prove his mettle as the man that the doctor has prescribed for the Zebras.

From just two training sessions, Da Rosa is a happy man and is positive that with the hunger and desire demonstrated by his charges recently, then delivery is certain.

Speaking in an interview last Thursday, the Frenchman appreciated how the players were focused and taking instructions well, save for Thatayaone Kgamanyane who was on the bench due to an injury.

Da Rosa said though he was positive, what lied ahead of him and his troop was a big challenge that will require ambition and self-belief to overcome.

“I will have a meeting with the players to inform them that we have to be ambitious and believe in ourselves because I am convinced that this team has good quality players who can challenge any team,” he said.

He strongly believed that they were compelled to work harder given that they would need different approaches to the two fixtures.

Assessing the players’ fitness level, Da Rosa opined that time was currently their worst enemy in trying to improve the fitness, but appreciated how the players’ physical trainer, Chyna Mokaila managed them.

“I am therefore confident that we can be very tough, particularly in the first match.

We have to focus on the clash against Mozambique. One game at a time,” he said.

Da Rosa said out of the 31 provisional squad, only Masitaoka player, Olebogeng Ramotse had been dropped due to injury.

One of the Zebras’ strikers, Thabang Sesinyi said he was aware that Batswana were longing for a World Cup qualification and therefore promised them full commitment and dedication  from his mates.

Sesinyi also highlighted the importance of winning the two games, particularly that they will be played at home.

“This is exactly what the coach is infusing in us.

He is encouraging us to have the attitude to approach the matches with the ambition to collect the three points,” he said.

Meanwhile, given that the last time the Zebras qualified for a major competition was in 2012, Sesinyi opined that time was nigh for Botswana to make the grade.

Another striker, Segolame Boy said for him to receive a call of national duty again was motivation enough to aid the team to glory.

“Batswana should expect a flawless game.

The mission is to win our games and bring the nation back to glory days,” Boy said.

For Oarabile Sekwai, the high morale in camp should assure Batswana of a good play by the Zebras.

“We are doing our best to prepare and deliver two wins for the Zebras here at home,” said  Sekwai.

With that said, everyone deserves a high-five for a job well done, even the coach.

So if the morale in the Zebras camp is anything to go by, then Batswana should brace themselves for cheerful days of the beautiful game. ENDS