Says the man soon to become the first Motswana to play in the prestigious CAF Super Cup: “I am fully prepared for it.”
GAZETTE REPORTER
Tumisang Orebonye, the energetic forward for Botswana’s national football team, the Zebras, has expressed his delight in being the first Motswana to play in the prestigious Confederation of African Football (CAF) Super Cup.
Orebonye – who currently plies his trade for USM Alger in Algeria – finds himself on the threshold of a historic clash against African giants Al Ahly SC of Egypt in the highly-anticipated CAF Super Cup encounter at the King Fahd Stadium in Saudi Arabia on Friday 15 September 2023.
USM Alger clinched the CAF Confederations Cup title, earning them the right to face Al Ahly SC.
“I feel great”
The CAF Super Cup is an annual African association football competition that brings together the champions of the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup.
Orebonye – who hails from Lecheng in the Central District – shared his elation in a telephone interview from Algeria. “I feel great that I am going to take part in this encounter,” he said. “It is a game that I never thought I would play.
“But now that the opportunity is here, I have to be proud of myself. I will do my level best to represent myself, my team, and my country in the game. I am fully prepared for it.”
“Benteke”
Affectionately known as “Benteke,” Orebonye also outlined his ambitious objectives for the next season, saying: “It all starts with the CAF Super Cup. We also want to perform well in the CAF Confederations Cup and perhaps defend our title.
“Additionally, we aim to excel in the Algerian League 1 and the Algerian Cup. I personally aspire to win all these accolades. I understand fully that to achieve these goals, I must contribute by scoring goals, providing assists and aiding my team in every way possible.”
International experience
Asked about what needs doing to rejuvenate the Zebras and elevate their performance, especially following some disappointing outings recently, Orebonye came forward with ideas.
“Many successful national teams feature players with extensive international experience,” he said. “We therefore need to export more talent abroad to make the coach’s job easier.
“While I do not wish to delve into administrative matters, there’s much work to be done. Compared to the teams we are competing against, we have a long way to go.”
Self-belief
As a rising star in the world of football, Orebonye also offered invaluable advice to aspiring players, particularly the younger generation.
“The key to reaching this level is self-discipline, self-belief, patience and hard work,” he asserted. “Some may be working hard but haven’t reached my level. To them, I say be patient.”