The Voice (Francistown)
20 May 2008
Francistown — Zebras coach, Colywn Rowe, football administrators and the players believe the team is capable of getting what it needs against Zambia at the Woodlands Stadium in Lusaka tomorrow afternoon.
Zebras are on CAF Africa Nations Championship return tie, having won the first leg in Gaborone a fortnight ago and hope the goal will caution them in Lusaka.
The victory was the Zebras first over Chipolopolo in an official match and they will hope to continue the story in Lusaka tomorrow.
Speaking to reporters at a press conference at the Lekidi Centre on Wednesday, a seemingly confident Rowe said: "I am optimistic we can get the result we need in Zambia. From what I saw in the last game, we are capable of going there and getting a result. The one nil win we got at home is important for us. I am happy with it and believe that we can score; we can win. Even if we go 2-1 down we can still go thorough."
The coach's sentiments were shared by Botswana Football Association officials, Technical Director Six Keatlholetswe and Chief Executive Officer, Tosh Kgotele, who also believe that our boys' performance in the first leg is an indication that the Zebras can write a new chapter in the history of our football by beating the Zambians in their backyard for the first time.
With all players fit and reportedly ready and raring to take on Zambia, Rowe and his bosses will be hoping that the absence of young Jerome Ramatlhakwane will not harm the team's seemingly blunt frontline. The coach says he dropped Ramatlhakwane from the team squad against Zambia for disciplinary reasons and will recall him in the future. Ramatlhakwane is the league's top leading scorer and many were hoping he would lead the Zebras attack in Zambia.
Goalkeeper Noah Maposa, who is likely to start ahead of Raphael Nthwane tomorrow, also fancies the Zebras chances in Lusaka.
"I think the Zambians will have beefed up their squad because they cannot think of losing in front of their fans; it's a war we are ready for and I think we can win the battle in Lusaka. It's not going to be easy but it can be done. We go into the game with a one-goal advantage, which is good for us, especially because we are playing away from home. One goal might seem a narrow margin but it's a big win. All we need to do is protect our goal, do our best not to concede and try to get another goal. I think we can win in Lusaka if we remain positive and work hard," said Maposa, who is on a high after winning the league with Mochudi Centre Chiefs.
Midfielder Dirang Moloi believes Zambia can be beaten in their own backyard but recognizes that it won't be easy. "Obviously it will be a tough game but I believe we can get to the next round because we are on form and want to get to the next round. We need a win or a draw to get through to the next round and I believe with hard work we can pull it off. We are getting better with every game. Our recent results are evidence of our good form and we hope to carry the form into the Zambian game."
Meanwhile, Rowe and his charges will be pleased to learn that three of the players who did duty in the Zambia team in Gaborone are likely to miss tomorrow's game.
The Post Newspaper of Zambia quotes team doctor Dr. Michael Mbambiko as ruling out William Ndlovu, as he has not yet recovered from the knee injury he suffered at the National Stadium recently. He also declared Enoch Sakala and Francis Kasonde unfit because of malaria.
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Easier said than done. The Zebras coach is drunk with overconfidence. He must learn that football is a growing process. Botswana is still a long way from being a soccer powerhouse. He must be ashamed of celebrating a win via an own goal. He should also know that there other eyes who see Botswana soccer. He must listen to his critics and seive useful information instead of declaring war with the press. How own earth could a full-strength Zebras side struggle with U23/U20 youngsters? It is a message to people that he has an aging team. he must be looking to 2010 where the current U23/U20 will be at their peak. I think he has run out of ideas and ther BFA is better off looking for someone with freshe ideas.