Tapera to rope in new faces in Young Warriors

Zimbabwe went into the match carrying a good 4-0 lead and in a match that was played a Molepolole Sports Centre, 60km out of Botswana’s capital Gaborone. The Young Warriors put up a brilliant performance, restricting Botswana to their own half for the better part of the game.

The hosts had taken an early lead courtesy of a third minute goal by Keorapetse Seloso who got to the end of a defence splitting pass by skipper Ogomoditse Baoline and beat an advancing Zimbabwe goalkeeper Tonderai Mateyaunga.

Livewire Knox Mutizwa equalised with a snapshot in the box after a goalmouth melee.

Despite sailing through with a comfortable score line, the Young Warriors’ gaffer Jairos Tapera said he would have to beef up his squad before their next encounter.

“I am very happy that we managed to go through to the next round although I feel there are some areas where we did not do well. With a bit of luck we could have won the game especially in the second half where we created a lot of chances.

“Right now I will go and look for a right midfielder link and a central defender. For a central defender, I want someone with a good height, who has power and can command the defence from within,” said Tapera.

Bantu Rovers’ Kelvin Moyo partnered captain Willard Kalongoda at the heart of defence with Vincent Mbira playing on the right while utility player Kudakwashe Mahachi started as a left back and frequently ventured upfront.

In the second half, Mahachi moved to the left side of midfield after the introduction of Elvis Moyo. Elvis came in for Elton Dzirondiro who was on the right side of midfield.

Mahachi, Edmore Tsoro and Mutizwa were Zimbabwe’s most attacking players and their dribbling skills won even the hearts of Batswanas.

Mateyaunga did well to keep the Young Warriors in the game as he made some timely decisions coming out of his line to make clear cut saves deep in the second half.

Kelvin was firm in defence, keeping Botswana’s chief striker Omatla Kitabo under lock and key.

Mahachi, Tsoro, Mutizwa and Masuku had their goal bound shots punched away by Botswana’s goalkeeper Kenalemang in the second half.