29 Mar 2021

Botswana women national team, The Mares on March 26 reported for camp in preparations for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON qualifiers.

The AWCON finals will be held in Morocco.

Botswana is set to play against Namibia in the first round of the qualifiers in June.

According to a statement from the Botswana Football Association (BFA), team’s head coach, Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang, has selected a youthful team made up of under-20 players, which gives them a transition into the senior national team.

The statement says the experienced gaffer believes now is a good time to test and assess the players and to also see if they can assume responsibility of donning the national team colours at senior level.

It further says the team underwent medical examinations over the weekend including full compliance to COVID-19 protocols.

It says the first round will see Botswana looking to outclass Namibia, to set a date with the winner between Gabon and the Central African Republic, as the winner of the class is guaranteed a spot in the AWCON finals.

“Botswana is set to play Namibia in a two-legged encounter in the first round of the qualifiers.

A record total of 36 national teams have entered the qualifying tournament for the 2020 AWCON finals, with only 11 countries expected to make it out of the qualification series,” the statement says.

The statement further notes that football fans will be happy to learn that before playing the qualifier matches, Botswana will, in April, play a friendly game with arch-rivals Banyana Banyana of South Africa, who are already in the second qualification round.

The statement also says The Mares are expected to secure more friendlies to enhance their chances of qualifying for the coveted continental showpiece.

The Mares consists of goal keepers - Sedilame Bosija from Bloemfontein Celtics, Gloria Moeng from BDF and Bame Mokime from Double Action Football Club;Defenders - Lone Gaofetoge from Geronah, Refilwe Ramotswerere from Prisons, Annah Sechane from Township Rollers and Nancy Baelesi from Prisons; Goitsemang Tlamma from BDF and Tshegofatso Mosotho, Theo George from Geronah and Basetsana Sembowa from Francistown United, Kesegofetse Machawe from Prisons and Selebatso Golebaone from Double Action
Forwards - Sebaga Ramogono from University of Botswana (UB), Atang Busang from Prisons, Esalenna Galekhutle from Mexican and Refilwe Tholakele from Township Rollers, as well as middle fielders such as Leungo Senwelo from Double Action, Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe from Mexican, Obonetse Rathari from Geronah and Masego Nfandiso from Double Action. ENDS