We are the underdogs – butler

Botswana enters the final group phase of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations looking for a second finals tournament place. The Zebras face off against Tunisia – a rival they faced and beat on their impressive way to the 2012 finals. They also play Egypt and Senegal in Group E. From the weekend of 5/6 September, nations bare it all on the field, for one of two automatic places for the continent’s footballing spectacle billed for Morocco next January and February. For the inside story on the Zebras

camp and preparations, cafonline.com spoke to Botswana coach Peter Butler.

Cafonline: First of all coach, congratulations on qualifying for the group stage, how has the road been so far?
Peter Butler: Thank you. Well, the guys have done really well, I’m delighted with the way they have performed looking at how we were seven months ago. It’s like a completely different team. We have changed the team and we have brought in some new young players. Their work ethic has been excellent. It has been challenging but enjoyable.

Cafonline: What lessons have you learned from the preliminary stages?
PB: You never stop learning in this game, it’s very important to take each game as it comes. I know it’s a cliché but I believe that we’ve planned well. We have tried to get things right on and off the pitch. I’m just trying to encourage everyone to raise that bar in terms of performance, the players are responding well, they’ve learned how I work and I know about them.

Cafonline: How so Coach?
PB: I believe that we’ve come a long way in a short space of time and we should keep on that road, to keep on believing in ourselves you know… and instilling confidence into the players that no matter whom we face, that on the day, we can give them a good game.

Cafonline: Now the team has been in camp for the past week, how is the attitude of the players in their preparations?
PB: This is a diluted team and we have not brought in the whole team. The players came in on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (last week), I wanted to bring them in to assess where they were in terms of fitness. I am happy with the way they went about their work, I am glad to have done it because it’s important in our preparation for the Tunisia game.

Cafonline: How has the unavailability of international players affected your preparations?
PB: It’s difficult sometimes to get a subtle team, so I have not been afraid to change the dynamics of the team by bringing in young players. It’s very important for us that when we don’t have our international players we don’t mourn about it but just get on with it. I always believe that one person’s misfortune is another person’s gain, so it gives fringe players an opportunity to come and show me what they can do. Quite a few of those players have picked up the button and did extremely well and will stay in the team.

Cafonline: There have been administrative concerns in terms of finances, how has this affected the team’s preparations?
PB: I would be lying if I said it didn’t affect us but I live in the real world and there is nothing you can do about it. There is an old saying “failure to prepare is preparation for failure” so we are trying to control the controllable, you cannot worry about things you got no control over; we just have to get on with it. My job is to put out a team that I feel can get the job done. This is the business end (group stage) and we have got to find the money and prepare accordingly so that we can go forward and make an impact.

Cafonline: You have been draw against African football heavyweights in the form of Tunisia, Egypt and Senegal. Is Botswana assuming the role of group underdogs?
PB: Yeah of course, we are talking about countries which are big footballing countries in Africa. We are the underdogs but I like it that way, it doesn’t faze me because I understand what we have to do to get results. We have got to go out there and play with confidence and no fear. It’s my job to actually instil that confidence into the players to go out there and express themselves when we face such teams. It’s a great opportunity for them to pit their wits against so called better opposition and it’s also great for me as a coach because it’s a great challenge for me personally.

Cafonline: The team will have a tight schedule in terms of fixtures, how important will it be to have players on standby in case of injuries and suspensions?
PB: That why I have put together a development pool of players together. I think it’s important for us not to rely on certain players. We got a pool of 30 players that I can call on and there are lads who are knocking on the door. There are players who have been off and they are willing to come through when I call them.

Cafonline: Can you elaborate on that…
PB: We don’t have a problem in regards to personnel, I know we are going to face teams with very good quality but you have to have a plan A and plan B. My prime example is that Tsotso (Mogakolodi Ngele) probably won’t be available (through injury) for the Egypt and Tunisia games. I have to find a replacement and I feel I have players who can play that role (attacking midfielder). It’s important that we have that pool of players.

Cafonline: Botswana has had positive results against Tunisia and Egypt in previous encounters, aren’t you expecting retaliation from them?
PB: umh… you cannot look back. All you can do is look forward and plan accordingly, what has happened in the past is gone. Like I said, we have to be optimistic and play with confidence and show teams that we might be Botswana with a population of 2 million people but we can still compete at that level.

Cafonline: The Zebras are yet to play Senegal, how are you preparing for them?
PB: They are a big strong, physical side. They’ve got good players and it’s a new team for them and they are in transition mode just like us. You can plan all you want, you can try to get as much information as you want but you have got to respect the opposition but you don’t fear them. I like to do my homework on teams and you cannot fully know about a team until you watch them play but now I have to rely on information I get from the internet and DVD’s but realistically you never know what you are up against until you face them.

Cafonline: In your overall assessment of the group, how do you think your team will fare?
PB: I think we will do alright; realistically it will be very difficult to win the group, so we have to try and grab that second spot. The truth of the matter is that we have players who are new and fresh at it so they might be fearful. We do have a group of experienced players who we can call on if the need arises. I have players coming back like Joel (Mogorosi), Mogogi (Gabonamong) and Boitumelo Mafoko, these players have been there and they know what it’s about. I think it is important for us to go into the group and be confident and grab that second spot.

Cafonline: Lastly, what role do you think support from fans and stakeholders will play in terms spurring the team on?
PB: I think it’s important for the fans to play their part, I hope the supporters come and watch. I hope they come and get behind us. They have been behind me all the way and they are enthusiastic, we also have to engage the youth of Botswana to come and watch the team even if it means giving them discounted prices.

Cafonline: Thanks coach all the best!
PB: Thank you.

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