*Limp Zebras stumble out of COSAFA
*Fed-up Mpote blasts local league failings
Botswana’s COSAFA hopes faded in the harsh cold of Durban on Tuesday evening, frozen out in depressing, all-too familiar fashion as the Zebras stumbled to a goalless draw against Namibia.
With only four teams progressing to the knock-out stages – the three group winners and the best runner-up – despite coming second in their group, the national team missed out on a place in the semis.
Teenage Mpote’s troops managed four points from their three games, a tally that was surpassed by Zambia, who finished behind Malawi in Group B on six points.
Not for the first time in Mpote’s reign, the Zebras were let down by their lack of firepower up front, failing to find a way past a Namibian defence that was breached twice by Eswatini just three days earlier.
It was a point not lost on the frustrated tactician.
“I am worried about the lack of goals but all this stems from our league. We create chances even in our league games but are failing to convert,” moaned the former Orapa United coach.
“Our strikers need to be taught how to position themselves in the 18-yard area and have the right technique to take a shot,” Mpote continued of his goal-shy troops.
“In the two weeks we had to prepare for the tournament, the players only managed to gel and adapt on the last days. This is giving me a headache because these basics should be covered at club level!” blasted Mpote, who was in no mood to mince his words.
“I think Botswana League coaches and I must have a coaching symposium so that I can share my frustrations and plan so that we address the problem. If we have strikers who score many goals at their clubs, it will be easier for me to work on perfection. I will not have to teach them how to kick, position and make offensive runs,” was the fed-up Zebras boss’ scathing conclusion.
The Namibian stalemate marked a disappointing end to a COSAFA campaign that had started extremely brightly for the Zebras, who began with a routine 1-0 triumph over Eswatini last Wednesday.
The win was secured by Lebogang Ditsele’s 23rd minute strike, the long-legged Gaborone United midfielder in the right place to pounce on a loose ball in the box.
The 27-year-old emerged from the tournament with plenty of credit, voted man-of-the-match against both Eswatini and Namibia. CCTV’s performances did not go unnoticed, with National First Division side, Pretoria Callies reportedly very impressed with what they saw!
The Zebras also looked on course for an unlikely victory against the hosts South Africa in their second match, when Thatayaone Kgamanyane gave them the lead in the 63rd minute.
It was an advantage that lasted all of three minutes!
Botswana blew their big chance at a famous win when a mix-up between defender, Tebogo Kopelang and goalkeeper, Lesenya Malapela, allowed Bafana Bafana’s striker through on goal.
Kopelang panicked, hauling the forward down and leaving the referee with little choice but to show the Security Systems star a straight red and award SA the penalty, which they duly dispatched.
It got worse for the ten-man Zebras a minute later.
Making the most of a lucky deflection, Royal AM midfielder, Shaune Mogaila smashed in a low, first time shot from just inside the box that flew past Malapela at his near post.
After pushing SA all the way, there was much hope going into Tuesday’s clash with the Brave Warriors…sadly, it’s the hope that kills you!