Boitumelo Khutsafalo
16 April 2008
The national Under-20 men's soccer team faces a tricky away match against Namibia on Friday night in the first leg of the African Youth Championship qualifiers.
Kick off is at 7pm. Speaking at a media briefing yesterday, coach Oris 'Boyo' Radipotsane said the 2-2 draw with South Africa at Itsoseng Stadium in Mafikeng last Sunday, has helped them rectify mistakes before the Namibia clash. He conceded that they are facing a tricky match but added that he has confidence in his boys. "I do not think we will lose this game. We should at least get a draw and then come back to win here," he said. Against South Africa, young Township Rollers' striker, Aubrey Kebonnetse scored both goals in the 2-2 draw.
Radipotsane had initially named an 18-man team but he revealed that he has added another player. He said that they have a problem with one player who cannot play at night because of sight problems. Besides Kebonnetse, the team boasts exciting players that are quickly making their names in the Premier League. These include Gunners' winger, Kgololo Leteane and Gaborone United midfielder, Ntesang Simanyana, who is also the captain of the team.
Edwin Moalosi and Bonolo Fraser who were part of the Under-20 team that took part in the COSAFA tournament last year are not eligible because they are now overage.
Meanwhile, BFA Chief Executive Officer, Tosh Kgotlele revealed that they will be holding a series of training camps for the national teams. He said that besides the Under-20 team, the senior side, the Zebras is expected to go into camp on April 20. He disclosed that the Under-20 team has been invited to play in Brazil in August. The Under-17 has also received an invitation to play in Serbia the same month.
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