04 Nov 2024

The senior national football team, the Zebras, reported for camp yesterday, to prepare for a crucial Group C 2025 AFCON Qualifier against Mauritania to be played at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on November 15. 

A win against the Lions of Chinguetti will see the Zebras making it to the AFCON for the second time, given that the last time they qualified was in 2012. 

The Zebras stand a very good chance, as they are in the second spot in Group C with six points, while Egypt has 12 points. 

Departure of former coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa temporarily sent panic amongst football lovers, but the Botswana Football Association (BFA) quickly appointed Jwaneng Galaxy gaffer Morena Ramoreboli on an interim basis. 

He is also aware of the big task ahead of him, to take the Zebras to the Promised Land.

Having coached in Botswana for a very long time, he understands the players and the culture of the local football. 

Ramoreboli said in an interview that they have tried to keep the team given that it has been performing well, and also has brought in individuals that have been performing in their respective clubs. 

The coach said they have done their part in terms of profiling the opponents, adding that what was remaining was for them to play and win the match. 

Ramoreboli said the Lions of Chinguetti are a very physical, direct and energetic team, which he said were also characteristics of the Batswana players. 

“Botswana players don’t mind running, and combating so I don’t think the qualities that our opponents have will be a threat to us because it is our strength; it is what we are good at,” he said. 

Ramoreboli said Mauritania has the front three players who can run and cause havoc, and a midfielder who joins late to help them. 

“So they have about four players who are very effective in the game and they have five or six players who help them defensively, and you don’t see their full back moving too much forward, but you see their wingers very effective,” he said. 

The coach said the most important thing is to have a team that will be able to stand the pressure that their opponents will try to bring, and have the energy and the ability to make sure that they attack. Ends