05 Oct 2022

Botswana will face eSwatini in a COSAFA Men’s Under 20 Championship fixture to be played at Somhlolo Stadium on Friday.

Botswana is in Group A with eSwatini, Zambia and Mauritius.

In an interview, Botswana coach, Oupa Kowa, said the boys were ready, adding  they played two international friendlies in Lesotho last month where they were able to score more than two goals.

“Positives for the friendly games is that we managed to score two or more goals. We had to make sure that we stop teams from scoring. If we can continue scoring like we have been doing, I believe we can sustain and get wins. And two goals in international friendlies is a lot and if we can sort out our defence department, the sky is the limit,” Kowa said.

He said they started their camp three weeks ago.

“Our selection of players for the competition was based on the type of players that would fit in the formation. I am not really happy with the length of the preparation because the formation is relatively new to the boys. But football is football and it has to be trained for and played,” he said.

Nevertheless, Kowa was happy with the players’ fitness level.

He was also happy that the players were determined to do their best and they believed that time was nigh to win something for the country.

“I also told them to be disciplined, self-determined and remembering that we are not only representing our families but we are also representing the country,” he said.

On one hand, Kowa said players were free from injuries.

The squad: Goalkeepers; Karamelo Kgosipula (Township Rollers), Lefhika Ngwako (Jwaneng Galaxy) and Rorisang Leburu of Extension Gunners.

Defenders: Botshelo Tiro (unattached), Thuto Balefetse (Matebejana), Roy Omphile (MR Highlanders), Mompati Tshoganyetso (Western Dynamites), Botshelo Motsheja (Nico United), Thato Mosweunyana (Mogoditshane Fighters), Thabang Toko (Police XI) and Ontlametse Selebogo of Young Strikers.

Midfielders: Kgotso Phuti (Extension Gunners), Thapelo Balatlheng and Phillip Kaku (Township Rollers), Levi Monaheng (Masitaoka), Phenyo Keaja (Notwane), Gorata Bogale (Masitaoka), Miguel Kgomo (Crackit City Polar), Shaun Theron (Notwane), Monty Enosa (Eleven Angels) and Lotlamoreng Sekwai of Police XI.

Strikers: Kgotso Tlhowe (Extension Gunners), Silent Kenneth (UB Hawks), Thabang Aphiri (Jwaneng Galaxy) and  Tlotlo Kgaolo of Eleven Angels.

Meanwhile, the championships, which starts today will end on October 16. ENDS