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. Raymond Jaravaza
THE Zimbabwe national Under-20 team is set to resume camp in Bulawayo on Monday ahead of the return leg of the Under-20 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Botswana on the weekend of 22 – 24 April in Lobatse.
The Young Warriors suffered a shock 1-0 defeat at the hands of Botswana last Sunday at Barbourfields.
After the match Zimbabwe coach Jairos Tapera blamed the defeat on inadequate preparations.
He revealed that he had asked national football mother body a�� Zifa a�� to allow the team not to break camp but his wish was not immediately granted with players and the technical team going their separate ways a day after the match.
Zifa cited lack of funds.
The team had camped just for three days at Lalani Lodge prior to the match at Barbourfields.
Tapera met Zifa vice-president Omega Sibanda in Harare during the week to map a way forward for the team.
a�?It will be ideal to regroup on Sunday and start training the following day. In the last match Botswana were not the better team and with adequate preparations we can beat them in their home ground. We just need more time in camp to fine tune our tactics,a�? said Tapera.
He is assisted by former Zifa Southern Region club Bantu Rovers coach Mandla Mpofu.
The Young Warriors have themselves to blame for the defeat after missing a string of clear cut chances especially in the first half and were punished by a cautiousA� Botswana side which pounced on a single chance and scored from a corner kick.
Zimbabwe is most likely to travel to Botswana by road thus the decision to camp in Bulawayo means the team will travel slightly more than an hour to cross the border into the neighbouring country.
Botswana is not leaving anything to chance with their coach Philemon Makwengwe stating that his squad would not break camp until the second leg.
The junior continental competition finals will be staged in Zambia in April next year.
Online Reporter