Morale is high within the Botswana football under 20 national team camp ahead of its clash with Republic of the Congo’s young Red Devils tomorrow (Saturday).
Following a morale boosting, albeit not so convincing win over Namibia three weeks ago, young Zebras skipper Resaobaka Thatanyane said they are ready for tomorrow’s game.
The young Zebras had to rely on an away goal rule to move past Namibia after both teams played to a 1 ÔÇô 1 draw in Windhoek in the second leg of their clash following a goalless stalemate in the first leg in Gaborone.
Thatanyane pointed out that the game against Namibia really motivated them and proved their potential as a team that they could go far.
“We have seen our potential and capability to go far; and all that we want now is a win. We do not care about the strength of Congo as we too have our own strength,” the Young Zebras’ captain said.
Thatanyane’s sentiments were also shared by his coach Dragojlo Stanojlovic, who noted that while he is very much aware of Congo’s strength and capabilities, his squad will not disappoint and will give their best to win this game.
“Congo is a very strong team, but I too know my team is strong too. Our focus is to win; to win the home game to stand a better chance to also win away game in Congo,” said Stanojlovic.
The former Sankoyo Bush Bucks coach said while he respects Congo and their game play, his team will only be targeting a win and nothing else.
For his part, the team’s Assistant Coach, Michael Mogaladi noted that the boys have under gone a tremendous change over the past few weeks and have shown a lot of improvement from when they faced Namibia in Windhoek.
An optimistic Mogaladi said the boys understand their time is now and they are hopeful they will go far. “The team is competing now, and they show that they can represent Botswana well,” he said.
Meanwhile, the team has called on the nation to rally behind them and push them to go an extra mile and give positive results.
The game is scheduled to kick off at 1500hrs at the National Stadium.
