Mosah Mokganedi
12 March 2008
The national Under-20 women football team goes to camp this weekend to continue with their preparations for the World Cup qualifier against Ghana.
Botswana eliminated Lesotho in the first round with a 4-1 aggregate last month to set-up a date with the West Africans. This is Botswana's first foray into World Cup qualification. Though the team managed to beat Lesotho, it was not convincing and it was clear that coach Emeldah Tumetsane still has a lot to do if they entertain hopes of outwitting the fancied Ghana. Had Lesotho been more composed during the second leg played in Gaborone, Botswana would be watching the qualifiers from the sidelines.
Tumetsane say they have decided to convene weekend training camps because most of their players are students and it is not possible to get them away for long. However, they will consider going into full camp a few days before the game though this will be determined by the outcome of their consultation with the schools. She said sometimes it is not easy for teachers to release players, because most of them are candidates due to sit final examinations in November.
Tumetsane said that their game against Lesotho has taught them a number of lessons and they will approach the Ghana encounter with a more mature mind. She said Ghana side is a closed book to them. But her charges are eager to play a team of Ghana's calibre.
Tumetsane will once again bank on the likes of Thuto Ramafifi, Nthabiseng Mokgatle and Lebogang Setereke to lead her side to victory. Setereke scored all the goals in the 3-0 win against Lesotho. Tumetsane said it is unfortunate that they will not have international friendly games to prepare for Ghana because of financial constraints. She said they will organise a friendly game against the Under-20 men's team as part of their preparations.
The tactician promised that they will do their best in the qualifier. Tumetsane expressed disappointment that they have not received much-needed support from Batswana. She explained that Basotho came in large numbers to support their team in the first leg of the qualifiers while only a handful of Batswana watched the return match at the National Stadium.
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