adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
THE national Under-17 teams set to compete in the Youth Olympic Games qualifiers scheduled for early next year in Zambia are expected to regroup on January 11 as they step up their preparations for the event.The boys and girls teams played Zambia in a series of friendly matches early this month as part of their preparations with the visitors dominating most of the matches.
The technical team also used the games to select their provisional squads. The competition in Zambia is the only qualifier for the YOG to be staged in Nanjing, China, from August 16-28 next year. Only the top team in each section will progress to the games.
The boys’ team coach, Prince Mwale, said if everything goes according to plan, the country stands a good chance of progressing to the main event in China.
“As it stands the boys have gone for the holidays. We are starting camp on January 11 either in Bulawayo or Harare and that will be our major practise.
“It’s going to be Friday, Saturday and we break on a Sunday after the afternoon session. I believe if things are done right and preparations go according to plan we have an amazing chance.
“Our biggest struggle would be with South Africa, looking at Ghanaians and Kenyans, we are at par,” said Mwale.
Mwale said the friendly matches against Zambia helped them assess their standard and what needs to be done to prepare the team for the qualifiers.
“Because most of the boys are in school, we can’t keep them in camp for long. I think, basically, Zambia was a good platform for us to see where we stand.
“When we played Zambia, the technical team picked some things that we can work on. I am confident and they have been growing in stature.
“The problem we had when we played Zambia is the boys had not played together for quite some time. In my opinion I think we have a good chance (of qualifying), it’s a new sport for everyone,” said Mwale.
Online Reporter