Morena Ramoreboli focused on rebuilding Zebras in Mukuru Cup

The Zebras will on Tuesday conclude the Mukuru four-nations tournament, which includes Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi, and hope to impress in front of their home crowd in Francistown.  

After losing 3-0 to the Warriors on Saturday, the hosts play the Flames of Malawi this afternoon, and Ramoreboli emphasised the importance of experience in his side. 

"I think the experience will always count, especially when you play against people that have already scored – so they will give you space, allow you to have the ball, but what is important is what you do to make sure you try and get goals," said Ramoreboli.

"Like I said, had we scored the penalty, I think maybe we could have come back into the game, we could have scored more goals, but we take lessons and we try our level best to make sure that we give them confidence.

"They are doing well, and one thing very good about them – and you could see it after the match – that they felt they have disappointed everybody. 

"And that's the mentality you need, especially at the stage where they are being given the responsibility to represent the senior team, so those are elements I think we'll keep and try to work on them, and then we'll improve."

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Botswana did not have a good showing at the recent AFCON in Morocco, where they lost all their matches and exited the tournament in the group stages.  

Now working with a young group of players, Ramoreboli is looking to instill a new style of play that will prepare the youngsters for international football. 

"I always say the national team is for everybody and everybody deserves to be given a chance to play for the national team," he highlighted.

"And though we only have 11 positions in the game of football, and those who are consistent and willing to work hard will always get an opportunity to be selected.

"So, for me, it's not about sending a message but it's about saying, whoever is ready, a spot is there – take it and use it.

"And I said the same thing to [the players], 'You are not players for Mukuru, you are players for Zebras, so that simply means you also qualify to get the respect that you deserve.'