News

City of Francistown get ready for Mali

Dec 22, 2015

FRANCISTOWN: The Zebras supporters eagerly await a David versus Goliath clash in the form of the national team taking on the mighty Les Aigles of Mali at the Francistown Sport Complex on Saturday.

In random interviews around town, the supporters believe the Francistown stadium is a fortress that will always yield positives for the Zebras. “This is not just a common stadium. It is blessed by the great God of Bakalanga. ‘Ke stadium sa ga Ngwale’. If Mali is a mountain we are going to climb it. Since the beginning of the week we have been dressing for the Zebras, and we will be dressed like this until after the game. I predict a 2-1 win,” said Kabelo Tanyala, a combi driver.

Mbakiso Star, 23, and Keorapetse Makhokhoba, 22, both hawkers said they had just been discussing the game and secured tickets for the weekend encounter. Star said he wishes Segolame Boy comes in for Hendrick Moyo. “If the coach could introduce Boy alongside Tsotso, then we will have no doubts in our attack. Boy has a magic touch and he can finish calmly.

Of course Moyo is a great player, but he is too wasteful. Maybe if he comes in as a sub, he will score. I predicted a 1-0 against Burkina Faso, I also predict the same for this game,” he said. However, another supporter, John Tabojosi, 26, has more faith in Peter Butler’s charges.

“That team will take us far. I trust our coach’s strategies and our best 11. Moyo is our key player whether he scores or not he must start.

“We might have lost to Mali previously, but that was then. This is a different ball game altogether; different strategies, different players and different stadium. We are going to shock Mali 3-0. 10 am Saturday I am getting in the stadium. I will have my lunch there, teams will find me,” said an excited Tabojosi.

Forty—five-year-old street Vendor, Galentlogele Tshola said: “I want to go there and do business. I have picked a ‘No’ on two occasions, but I will try my luck again”.

“It’s not a problem if I miss out I have my ticket ready and I want to see my heroes. I want to see Ditsile (Lebogang). That boy plays good football. He is my best player,” she said. Meanwhile, 26-year-old Portia Rasebopeng, a hawker selling Zebras regalia, said she has been experiencing good sales since Monday. “I have been selling here for over a month now, but since Monday I have had good sales. People are buying and T-shirts are the most sought-after items. I sell everything from wigs, bands, sunglasses, flags, chitenges and a lot more.

“On Saturday I won’t be selling. It’s Zebras business and I will be watching the game. We are going to win 3-0,” she predicted.

source: Mmegi

Up Next

Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini banned 8 years

Don't Miss

Botswana vs South Africa – Women All Africa Games

News

Setlhoko Appointed as FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert

FIFA has announced the appointment of Ms. Tsholofelo Setlhoko as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, joining a global network of qualified professionals dedicated to the growth and development of women’s football worldwide. This prestigious appointment recognizes Ms. Setlhoko’s exceptional contributions to the sport and her commitment to advancing women’s football across Botswana and beyond.

Launched in 2020, the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programmes have been instrumental in strengthening women’s football through targeted support for Member Associations. With the recent relaunch of the programme in December 2024, FIFA aims to expand its impact across all 211 Member Associations, offering tailored assistance that reflects the unique contexts and needs of each nation.

In her role as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, Ms. Setlhoko will leverage her vast experience in football administration, strategic planning, and grassroots development to support Member Associations in implementing sustainable growth strategies. Her leadership within the Botswana Football Association (BFA), particularly in spearheading initiatives for women’s football, has set a benchmark for development and community engagement.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert. This is not only a personal achievement but a victory for women’s football in Botswana. I look forward to sharing best practices and supporting the growth of women’s football in other Member Associations,” said Ms. Setlhoko.

The President of the Botswana Football Association, Mr. Tariq Babitseng, also expressed his pride in Ms. Setlhoko’s achievement, stating, “Tsholofelo’s appointment is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her expertise and passion for women’s football are unmatched, and we are confident that she will make a substantial impact globally.”

Ms. Setlhoko’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the representation of African women in global football development. As she embarks on this journey, she remains committed to championing women’s football and inspiring the next generation of female athletes and administrators.