• Stan calls for patience

A second string Zebras team won the poorly attended Tri-nations tournament involving Zimbabwe and Lesotho.

TOP STRIKER: Sembowa gets the better of Basia Makepe

Stanley Tshosane’s charges defeated the Warriors of Zimbawe 1-0 in the opening match on Monday before closing off with a 0-0 draw against Lesotho on Wednesday.

Tshosane stuck to the same squad that was humbled 3-1 by Kenya a fortnight ago and after such a poor showing the team seemed to have found their form with better cohesion especially between midfielders and the lone striker Tebogo Sembowa.
The Rollers striker now has two goals in three matches in national team colours and could have done enough to be considered for future assignments.

After a goalless first half on Wednesday Tshosane threw everything forward, resting Michael Mogaladi, Pontsho Moloi and Phenyo Mongala for Tshepo Motlhabankwe, Ntesang Shimanyana and Jackie Mothatego.

The arrival of Shimanyana seemed to spur the team forward, his swift interchanges with Motlhatego and Galabwe Moyana easily opened the Lesotho defence, and Moyana was unlucky to be ruled offside after side footing a cross into the net.

After the coach was the first to admit that the first half approach was wrong and could have easily backfired on them.
“Lesotho plays short passes so we needed players on the field who could match them hence the introduction of Shimanyana and Mothatego,” he said.

Commenting on the heavy criticism he received after the Kenya loss, the tactician who is no new comer to the fans squabbles told Voice Sports that his is still a work in progress.

“I wish Batswana could be patient with us. We know what they want and this is exactly what we are trying to build. I have given a couple of players a run here and already I have identified a couple who will soon become core members of the senior squad. We can’t expect these youngsters to win all the time,” he said.

Tshosane gave an example of Sembowa who despite getting minimal game time at club level has shown that if given a chance he can also compete at the highest level.

Lesotho national coach Leslie Notsi also hailed the Zebras performance.
“We have now become regular visitors here and every time we learn something new. The Zebras are definitely on another level and I believe this is due to tough competition at club level,” he said.
Notsi who had fielded Miscellaneous youngster Lehlomela Ramabele said the standard of football has tremendously grown to a point where other African players can build their careers here.

“I would definitely recommend to players back home that Botswana football is just as good.  I know the problem with Lesotho players is that they take time to adapt to new environments, that is why the likes of Bushi Moletsane have gone back,” he said.

RESULTS
Zebras 1-0 Zimbabwe
Lesotho 3-5 Zimbabwe
Zebras0-0 Lesotho

Sembowa