Gaborone United suffer blow ahead of AS Vita tie

Botswana champions Gaborone United (GU) have suffered a blow ahead of their CAF Champions League clash against Congolese giants AS Vita on Sunday.

The Kenyan duo of Duncan Otieno and forward John Mark Makwata will not play a part in the match first leg of the preliminary round of qualifiers. 

The match is set for the National Stadium at 6pm on Sunday.

Gaborone United return to continental football after a 12-year absence and had hoped to put out their strongest squad at the weekend. 

However, Otieno and Makwata, who recently joined the club, are yet to obtain their work visas and will not play. 

The club also revealed that midfielders Karabo Phiri and Obonwe Maome are also ruled out due to injuries. 

MORE ISSUES FOR GABORONE

Gaborone United coach Benny Kgomela confirmed the setback, hinting they may also miss the return leg a week later.

“We work as a team, from the technical team and backroom staff to the players, and that alone gives me confidence that we will go far. 

“We are ready for Sunday and will give it our best. There are only two players, Maome and Karabo Phiri, who will not feature due to injuries. Kenyan internationals Duncan Otieno and John Mark Makwata can only feature at a later stage of the competition,” Kgomela said.

Otieno joined GU on a two-year deal from Kenya Police FC. He has been featured 12 times for the Kenyan national team.

This is not the first time he has played outside his country, having played for Lusaka Dynamos and Nkana FC in Zambia. 

Makwata has also penned a two-year deal with the seven-time Botswana champions. He was also recruited from Kenya Police FC, and the forward has two goals in nine games for the Harambee Stars. 

Gaborone United also allayed fears over Sunday’s playing venue after the Botswana National Stadium was double booked. 

FARPost has been informed that the organisers of the church crusade have agreed to vacate and ready the stadium by Saturday midnight instead of Sunday.