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| Sports |
| Govt releases K4m for Botswana trip |
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by
Garry Chirwa, 16 June 2004
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08:56:28
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Government has released K4 million ($37,037) for the Flames’ trip to Gaborone, Botswana, for this weekend’s World Cup qualifier against the Zebras, erasing all doubts that surrounded the foray into the desert realm.
Fam’s new general secretary Roosevelt Mpinganjira confirmed the development on Tuesday saying the money will cover the Flames’ return air travel from Johannesburg in South Africa where they are currently camping.
“The funds will also cover camping costs, external allowances and training ground costs,” said the Fam chief executive.
Mpinganjira said the Flames, who are still nursing their wounds after being bitten 2-0 by Mozambique’s Mambas in a Cosafa Castle Cup quarterfinal match in Maputo on Saturday, are scheduled to leave Jo’burg on Thursday for Gaborone where they will be joined by their Russian-based hitman Essau Kanyenda on Friday evening.
Kanyenda flew back home on Monday to see his sick father in Nkhotakota.
Meanwhile the Flames took it on the chin and confessed that they let the nation down by being kicked out of the Castle Cup by the Mambas.
Captain Patrick ‘General’ Mabedi said having displayed a five-star show against Morocco’s Atlas Lions, the nation expected a lot from the Flames.
“I think we should call a spade a spade, we have let down the people back at home. They had lots of expectation from us and they expected nothing short of a win against the Mambas.
“We didn’t play the way we played against Morocco and I should also point out here that the red card affected our game, I don’t want to point a finger at anyone, but we should avoid such unnecessary bad acts, they are often too costly. We also fluffed a number of scoring opportunities,” explained the tough-as-a-teak rearguard who is highly favoured to win the South African Premiership best defender award.
However, Mabedi vowed that the Flames will make up for the painful loss when they take on the Zebras this Saturday.
“On behalf of my fellow players, I would like to assure all the fans and the nation in general that we will give out our best against Botswana.”
On his part Kanyenda also blamed the loss on the red card flashed on left back Maupo Msowoya for the defeat.
“I would say we didn’t take our chances but I would say the bad omens started immediately after our team-mate was shown the red card, our numerical disadvantage was evident.
“But the loss could also be a blessing in disguise because we can now be able to concentrate on the joint World Cup and Nations Cup qualifiers. We have to make sure we end up among the top three,” said Kanyenda.
An own goal by Mabedi and a second half strike from To gave the Mozambicans a historic Castle Cup semifinal qualification at Machava Stadium.
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