11 Nov 2024

With the senior national football team needing only three points out of the available six to qualify for next year’s African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, legends of the local game have proferred advise  to the current crop to heed.

The Zebras face the Chinguetti of Mauritania on Friday in Francistown’s Obed Itani Chilume Sports Complex and a win would guarantee them a slot in the AFCON finals in Morocco next year.

Zebras legends have advised the players to take it easy regardless of the pressure of playing in front of expectant supporters. This is what they said:

Mmoloki ‘BB’ Sechele

It is an important game not only for the players, but the country and it is important for the players to absorb the pressure and enjoy the game. They should approach the game like all the others.

This one is important, but we do not want a situation whereby they do not concentrate and end up making mistakes that might cost us. However, I am confident that they will remain calm and play their game plan.

When I was coached by Zero Johnson, he always advised us that we should not commit any mistakes early in the game because it could take us out of the game.

Ernest ‘Nanzi Indoda’ Amos

The game has a lot of pressure and to tell you the truth, I can also feel the pressure. It is like I will be playing, but the players need to focus and execute their game plan and I trust that they will be working with a psychologist before the game.

Monetary incentives should be announced as soon as possible to avoid negative and positive emotions as well as losing focus.

We need to win the game at all costs, but it is not going to be easy because Mauritania will not want to give the Zebras tickets to Morocco on a silver platter.

Itumeleng ‘Doba Doba’ Duiker

My advise is that it is just a game. Once they step into the pitch, they should not think too much about qualifying, but rather play their normal game.

I think they are well motivated and I am confident that they will do well. The good thing about current players is that they are motivated. ENDS