Victorious Young Zebras disappoint BFA official

Mqondisi Dube | Thursday December 5, 2013 17:42

 

After the game, he minced no words in relaying his sentiments about the team’s poor performance to the technical bench. Nthobelang, who heads the Botswana delegation to the tournament expressed concern that Swaziland dominated proceedings and the Young Zebras played more as individuals and failed to retain possession. He said the Zebras were inconsistent and played in patches.

“Technically and tactically, Swaziland was better, but we hope to see an improvement in the next game,” he said.   

The Under-20 side was on the back foot in the first 20 minutes and with precision, the Swazis could have scored a hatful of goals. However, Unobatsha Mbaiwa’s opener in the 22nd minute flattened the Isihlangu. The Zebras proceeded to play intermittently with promising moves from individual players.

The defence held firm while in the middle of the pack, Mpho Kgaswane sparkled ably assisted by man-of-the-match, Lebogang Ditsele. Mbaiwa played well upfront, proving his exploits in the Under-17 were no fluke. Keagile Kgosipula justified why he was fielded ahead of the proven Neo Kenalemang between the posts with an assured display.

Coach, Innocent Morapedi told journalists that he had elaborate game plan to let Swaziland have possession in harmless areas.

Meanwhile a man was arrested after he was found spraying powder believed to be muti in the rooms occupied by the Young Zebras players. The local man, claimed he had been sent by the Swazi camp although this could not be immediately verified.

“It is now water under the bridge (the incident). It did not distract the players,” Nthobelang said.

The youngsters now prepare for a tough encounter against Zimbabwe on Saturday. The Botswana side might be through to the next round if Swaziland failed to beat Zimbabwe last night. The winners of the group play Group B’s second best team while the runners-up will play Group B winners.