Let's rally behind the Zebras

The national team has made a promising start in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and all they need is to have the whole nation behind them.

They will always be divergent views regarding player selection or even the composition of the technical team.  But that should be secondary as the primary goal is to see the Zebras in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon in 2012.  It is unfortunate that the issue of Mogogi Gabonamong keeps cropping up at crucial times; that is on the eve of a big match.

We hope the concerned parties will reach an agreement that will see the matter laid to rest and the Zebras focusing on the important task at hand. What the Zebras do not need at the moment is any form of distraction.  We call upon the whole nation to rally behind the team as they take on a Togo side that can, on their good day, wreak much havoc.  It baffles the mind to find that there are some detractors who want to see Zebras coach, Stanley Tshosane fail.

The coach might have his shortcomings, just like his several predecessors, he deserves the support of the nation because presently, he is delivering.  Patience is a virtue and at this hour every Motswana should exercise patience and give the team all the necessary support.  Togo should be lost at the UB Stadium on Saturday - they must be made to feel the physical distance between their homeland and Botswana.  But this can only be possible if fans stand solidly behind our national squad.  It is regrettable that the match cannot be played at a bigger venue like the National Stadium.

Predictably tickets for the match will sell fast and as such, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) should be cautious.  We know that with only about 8,000 seats available, fans will be eager to get their tickets early.  We urge those who fail to buy tickets to stay home and enjoy the action on television.

It would also not be far-fetched to caution against unfortunate incidents that usually accompany such high profile matches.  We have seen lives lost because of over-crowding, which leads to stampedes at stadiums across the globe.

The BFA, as they have commendably done in the past, should put measures in place to ensure the safety of the players, fans and match officials.

The expected huge crowd, in and outside the stadium, should stand as a challenge to all the stakeholders including the police.  However, we take heart in the fact that large crowds have been properly handled in the past and Saturday's match should go without any incidents.

Go Zebras, go!

                                                                             Today's thought                                 'The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today's work superbly well.'

                                                                             - William Osler