04 Jul 2023

The senior national team, the Zebras face Sihlangu Semnikati of eSwatini in a HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup clash to be played at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban, South Africa today at 3pm CAT.

The Zebras are in Group A with Namibia, South Africa and eSwatini.

South Africa and Namibia would also play today at 6pm. The HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Cup starts today and would end on July 16.

Zebras coach, Mogomotsi Mpote takes his squad into the battlefield fully aware that Sihlangu Semnikati, meaning the King’s Shield, would come with guns blazing, fight to shield themselves from the Zebras’ kicks and also revenge the 2-0 loss they suffered in their last COSAFA meeting.

A win for the Zebras would be a morale booster for the local lads ahead of other games.

In an interview, Mpote said having played them before, Sihlangu Semnikati were however not some kind of enigma for the Zebras since they knew their strengths and weaknesses and that should make it easy for his side to beat them again.

“We have also eliminated them in the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) last year, therefore a win against them is inevitable,” said a poised Mpote.

Mpote said they were in Durban to compete not to just participate but compete and ensure that they progressed with the tournament and move from group to the knockout stage.

“This will help us to prepare for the AFCON qualifier against Tunisia since we have never had international friendly games to prepare.

We want to perform better by making it to the finals and ultimately lifting the COSAFA Cup for the first time in history,” he said.

He added that last year, they managed to go the knockout stages only to be eliminated by Zambia via penalty kick out and went on to play in the plate and managed to beat them 2-0.

Mpote boasts of an experienced squad, which he said had showed a lot of character in their last AFCON qualifying games.

“In our last game against Libya we did not have Mosha Gaolaolwe, Tumisang Orebonye and Thato Kebue due to suspension but their absence was not felt.

That is what I am trying to do whether suspension or injuries the team should remain solid,” he said.

The Zebras squad comprises Lesenya Malapela of Orapa United and Thabo Motswagole of Masitaoka in the goalkeeping department.

In the defense are Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United), Benson Mangolo (Jwaneng Galaxy), Thabo Babusi (Township Rollers), Thato Kebue (Orapa United), Tebogo Kopelang (Security Systems), Goitseone Legopelo (Sua Flamingoes) and Thabang Khuduga (Masitaoka).

Midfielders include Gape Thibedi, Lebogang Ditsele (Gaborone United), Oarabile Sekwai (Police XI), Gofaone Mabaya (Orapa United), Shaun Theron (Young Stars), Olebogeng Ramotlhwa, Olebogeng Ramotse (Masitaoka) and Godiraone Modingwane (BDF XI).

The strikers are Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United), Monty Enosa (Masitaoka), Lethabo Ogotseng (Masitaoka), Eric Ookame (Eleven Angels), Tawana Mbakile, Molaodi Tlhalefang (Security Systems) and Thabang Aphiri (Young Stars). ENDS