Under-20 team returns home empty handed

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday December 12, 2013 16:56

 

The team was eliminated from the group stages after a 2-2 draw against Angola. The coach, Innocent Morapedi told a press conference at Lekidi Centre in Gaborone that the technical team is disappointed by the performance of the team. Botswana needed a win by at least four goals against Angola to progress to the next round.

Morapedi said they went to the tournament to learn and this involves going through some challenges, which included a loss against Zimbabwe. The Botswana team finished with four points, while Angola and Zimbabwe progressed from the group to the semi-finals to be played today.

Morapedi said he decided to keep captain Neo Kenalemang on the bench due to an injury he picked before the tournament. Keeagile Kgosipula replaced Kenalemang in goal. Morapedi stated that Kenalemang was a good leader who was encouraging his teammates from the bench. He admitted that Botswana could have won 2-1 against Angola but luck was not on their side.

Kenalemang said losing and winning is part of football. He said they went to the tournament with a winning mentality and they played to their full ability but unfortunately, it was not enough for them to progress to the next level.

Botswana Football Association (BFA) acting technical advisor, Philemon Makhwengwe told journalists that the intention is to keep the Under-20 team intact. He said the plan is to use the same players for the Olympic Games qualifiers. He stated that the players are staying in and around Gaborone and the plan is to engage them in preparatory matches before the qualifiers start. He said the main obstacle of keeping the team together might be financial constraints. Makhwengwe said they intend to beef up the squad though in most instances, it is difficult for clubs to release players especially when the league is on going.