The Botswana senior national team squad for the 2018 COSAFA Cup 2018 to be held in South Africa’s Limpopo province from May 27-June 9 is in camp following week 29 of the BTC Premiership.

Out of the 30 players called by coach David Bright, 20 players have reported for camp with other players from Orapa United – Kobamelo Kebaikanye, Lemogang Maswena, Onkabetse Makagantai and Lesenya Ramoraka – expected yesterday afternoon.

Coach Bright has indicated that he knew he was going to encounter challenges in this camp because of players’ commitments at club level since the league is yet to finish.

In an interview at the Botswana Football Association offices on Tuesday, the coach said even when he drafted the 30 man provisional squad he took into consideration the fact that some clubs will be reluctant to release their players since this is a regional tournament and the league still on.

On the selected players, the coach had this to say: “Look, I have decided to use this tournament to develop and give young players exposure, I selected young players so that we develop them into competitive players who will represent the country in the future.

“I have, however, included a couple of senior players who I will using as the spine of the team, as well as guiding these young boys.”

The coach said they started training on Monday to have a discussion with the players, as well assess their fitness levels.

The team will have tactical training sessions with emphasis on having the players understand each other and how the coach wants them to play.

After the Thursday session, only the players whose teams will be fixture this coming weekend,  and those needed by their teams, will be released to go and play, but will be expected back at camp on Monday morning.

The final 20-man final list will be released on the May 24, just a day before the team leaves for the tournament.

By Kagiso Kgaogano