allAfrica.com: Botswana: Zebras Hope to Welcome Khama With Victory (Page 1 of 1)

The national soccer team, Zebras, hope to welcome incoming president Ian Khama with victory against a Brazilian select side in an eagerly-awaited invitational match to be played at the National Stadium tonight.

Khama takes over the reigns as Botswana's fourth president from Festus Mogae today. The game against the select side from Brasilia, Brazil's capital city comes six days after the Zebras lost 1-0 to Zimbabwe at the same venue. More importantly, tonight's encounter is a preparatory match for the Zebras ahead of the 2010 World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which start next month.

Speaking at a press conference at Gaborone Sun on Sunday, Zebras' coach, Colwyn Rowe was adamant that his charges will rise to the occasion.

He mentioned that though this is a celebration match for the incoming president, they take it very seriously. "This is a celebration match to honour the incoming President Ian Khama but it gives Zebras an opportunity to prepare," said Rowe.

He stated that it is inspiring to play a team from Brazil. He expressed optimism that the Zebras will give their best in the game. He said changes to the squad that lost to Zimbabwe last week will be determined by the response from players at training. Zebras' South African-based captain, Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane was confident that they will impress tonight. He said the Zebras have grown tremendously and they would go into tonight's encounter with nothing in mind but victory. Brasilia Select Team Head of Delegation, Weber Magalhaes commended Botswana Football Association (BFA) for invitation to the match. He was happy about the hospitality and warm welcome they received. "We are so excited about this game as we would share the experiences and love for football," he asserted. Magalhaes said the game is very important for both countries. He said it is a mark of the good relations between Brazil and Botswana. He said they wanted to bring their best team to Gaborone but this was not possible because most of their top players are based in Europe. But he was confident the squad they brought will give the Zebras a run for their money. He said definitely both teams would benefit from the encounter, especially Zebras, who are still on a learning curve.

BFA chief executive officer Tosh Kgotlele appealed to the Brasilia delegation to talk about the beauties of Botswana when they get back. He told the visitors to consider conducting their training camp in Botswana when they come for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

"This is a good place to stay. You may acclimatise here before the World Cup," he told the delegation, which was accompanied by Brazil ambassador to Botswana, Joao Inacio Padilha. He reiterated that though this is a friendly match, BFA takes it seriously because the Zebras are preparing for the 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations' qualifiers.

Charges for the game are; P100 for the main grand stand, P75 for the other grand stands, P40 for Pandamatenga and P30 for the other stands. The gates open at 4pm.

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