Brito’s Home Debut: Warriors Set to Play Against Botswana

This Saturday, the Warriors are set to play against the Zebras of Botswana in Baltemar Brito’s debut home match. The friendly match will be Brito’s second game in charge and will be played at National Sports Stadium.

World Cup Qualifiers on the Horizon

The Warriors find themselves in a challenging Group C, alongside Rwanda, Nigeria, Benin, South Africa, and Lesotho. This group promises intense competition as each team vies for a spot in the World Cup finals.

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Baltemar will face Rwanda in an away match, followed by a home game against Nigeria in Botswana. The Nigeria match will be played in Botswana due to the inadequate conditions of local stadiums.

Foreign-based Players Joining the Squad

Zifa has issued a statement confirming that foreign-based players will start arriving today for the international friendly match against Botswana.

“A Warriors squad made up of local and foreign-based players is scheduled to play Botswana on Saturday, October 14, at the National Sports Stadium. The squad will be publicised once all logistical issues have been finalised,” stated Zifa. “Players will start arriving for camp on Wednesday (today).”

However, it remains uncertain whether Zifa managed to send invitation letters to the players’ respective clubs on time.

Excitement Builds for Home Game

Fans eagerly anticipate the Brito’s boys first home game since the lifting of the Fifa ban. Tickets will be priced at US$5 for the rest of the ground, US$10 for Bays 15-18, and US$50 for VIP access.

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Preparation Tournament with Botswana

Zifa had previously announced plans for a four-team tournament as part of the Warriors’ preparation for the World Cup qualifiers. Following this competition, coach Baltemar Brito will be able to finalize his squad for the training camp.

Opportunity for Undiscovered Talent

Sikhumbuzo Ndebele, from Zifa Normalisation Committee, stressed the need to give chances to young, lesser-known players who signed pro contracts abroad. The condensed training aims to showcase their abilities and potentially secure World Cup participation.

Conclusion

Zifa had previously announced plans for a four-team tournament as part of the Warriors’ preparation for the World Cup qualifiers. However it was cancelled, so that the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League continues.