The Young Zebras take on Eswatini at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba. The two teams meet in the first leg of the 2023 AFCON Under-23 qualifiers. Paris will host the 2024 Olympic Games.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Mbabane, Kaelo said his troops will look to make the most positive start to the qualification. “I have been appointed as the head coach for the Under-23 specifically to oversee the qualification for the Olympics 2024. Although we are always crying about lack of (preparation) time this is our job, this is what we have been employed to do. Looking at what we have been doing, we should be able to get the results in Eswatini.
It is not going to be an easy game because they are home and we are away but we can get some positive results either a draw or win,” he said. Kaelo has boosted his squad with several players with senior team caps. Security Systems’ centreback, Tebogo Kopelang is in the squad following making impressive displays with the Zebras at the COSAFA Cup held in July. Kopelang’s Systems teammate, Tawana Mbakile, Doctor David of Jwaneng Galaxy, Godfrey Tauyatsalwa of BDF XI, and Orapa United’s Tlamelo Kolagano are also in the squad. Goalkeeper Jovan Nikolic is the only foreign-based player in the squad as he plies his trade in Serbia with Sindelic Beograd.
There is a clean health bill in the squad except for Systems’ Mbakile who sustained a groin injury in training. Tauyatsalwa also suffered a minor knock on the ankle and the two were subject to a late fitness test. The match will kick off at 3pm. The return leg will be played on Tuesday at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. The winner of the two-leg encounter will take on Egypt in the second round of the qualifiers.
The Squad
Goalkeepers: Nikolic (FK Sindelic Beogard, Serbia), Phemelo Kgarathi (Fighters), Victor James (Masitaoka) Defenders: Kolagano (Orapa United), Botsile Sakana (Notwane), Tebogo Kopelang (Systems), Thabiso Fani, Leruo Ratala (both GU), Mokaedi Simon (Debswana Young Stars), Nico Babutsi (Rollers) Midfielders: Botlhe Pansiri (Gunners), Aobakwe Makhalani, Mbakile (both Systems), David (Galaxy), Tshepho Keselebane (Unattached), Larona Modisaemang (Police XI), Collen Motau (Debswana Young Stars), Shaun Theron (Notwane) Forwards: Tauyatsalwa, Tefo Molefe (both BDF XI), Thapelo Balatlheng (Rollers), Kealeboga Bonang (MR Highlanders), Kaone Bogosi (Orapa United)
