Zebras head south

Source: BOPA

GABORONE -- The national team, the Zebras, will play neighbouring South Africa in a practice match in Durban, next week.

Mooketsi Tosh Kgotlele, CEO of the Botswana Football Association, confirmed the January 16 macth in an interview on Tuesday.It will be played at Chatsworth Stadium at 6pm.

Zebras go into the game with last years Cosafa Castle Cup semi-final defeat by South Africa still fresh in their minds.

The match is to help Bafana Bafana prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations competition slated for Accra, Ghana, starting January 20.

Both teams have met several times in the past, with Botswana only managing to put one past South Africa, a win in 2006 that knocked Bafana Bafana out of the Cosafa cup group stages.

However, South Africa is trying hard to regain their once commanding position under the tutelage of World Cup winning Brazilian coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira.

As the 2010 FIFA World Cup host, South Africa is automatically amongst the 32 participating teams. They would be wary of the Zebras, who are fast becoming a hoodoo team for many African football powerhouses.

Zebras coach, Colwyn Rowe would also be in a vengeful mood together with his charges, as they still believe they can embarrass South Africa at home.

The match will also go a long way in helping Rowes charges, who are currently on camp, prepare for the all important 2010 World Cup and AFCON qualifiers in May.

Some new faces in the team include the crafty and creative Mochudi Centre Chiefs midfielder Oteng OT Moalosi, national Under-23 players Moreetsi Mosimanyana, Gobonyeone Shoes Selefa and Boitumelo Modisaotsile as well as Ecco City Greens midfield workaholic Abednico Powell.

BFA is expected to organise more friendly games for the Zebras, who will be watching the January 20 to February 10 AFCON on television. BOPA