Durban, South Africa, April 7, 2005 - The Botswana coach Selebatso Mabutho has voiced serious concern about his team's preparations for the 2006 Men’s World Championship first round tournament (Africa Pool B), which starts in Durban, South Africa on Friday.

Mabutho told the Botswana Press Agency BOPA that his team has been training hard. "But I am worried that we have never had at least one or two international friendly games to ready ourselves for the weekend matches.

“We needed exposure so that we gain confidence. I hope that the boys will do their best and fight hard to try and proceed to the next round. Otherwise they are in good shape and I hope the constraints will not pull them down."

The core of the squad is on camp preparing for Durban where they will play the host (South Africa) and Mauritius.

The winner of the three-day tournament will proceed to round two.

Botswana squad: Prince Matsheka, Pogiso Osupile, Tabaka Mothudi, Peaceful Seleka, Shadrack Kapeko (captain), Tiro Setlhare, Lee Tshipana, Francis Dingwe, Johannes Ralegoreng, Baleseng Boitumelo, Tjiyapo Madeluka and Keaikitse Sekalaba.

Story courtesy of the Botswana Press Agency