Botswana: Zebras Off to Belgium

The national soccer team, the Zebras, left yesterday for a controversial two-week training camp in Belgium. The 18-man squad will be in Europe to prepare for the upcoming 2008 African Nations Cup qualifier against Burundi on March 25 at the National Stadium in Gaborone.

Speaking during a press briefing at Lekidi Centre before departure, Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Phillip Makgalemele said after the coach and the technical team made it clear that they wanted more time with the players, the association saw it fit to send the Zebras to Belgium. "This will provide that opportunity and since we've an embassy in Belgium, it was easier for us to make arrangements. With Belgium sharing borders with countries like France, this will be an opportunity to expose our players," said Makgalemele. While in Europe, the Zebras will play a friendly in Netherlands against Russian giants, Spartak Moscow. Another game will be against Belgian side, Westlo FC which have three South Africans in their books. At the time of going to press, negotiations were still on about the third game.

...

AllAfrica publishes around 400 reports a day from more than 100 news organizations and over 500 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. We publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons. Publishers named above each report are responsible for their own content, which AllAfrica does not have the legal right to edit or correct.

Articles and commentaries that identify allAfrica.com as the publisher are produced or commissioned by AllAfrica. To address comments or complaints, please Contact us.