14 Sep 2023

Botswana Senior Women National Team, The Mares, have started preparations for their Women African Cup of Nation (WAFCON) qualifiers clash against Gabon.

The first game will be played in Gabon on September 22, while the return leg will be played on September 26 at the Lobatse Sports Complex.

In an interview, The Mares coach, Gaoletlhoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutwisang, said they had called a pool of players who would be trimmed to 20.

She said the game was a do-or-die since Gabon was a closed book to them.

She indicated that they had only managed to watch one video clip of the Gabon team.

She said their intention was to collect maximum points in Gabon and finish them off in the second leg at home.

Nkutwisang said although not much was said about Gabon, they would not rest on their laurels but prepare fully for them.

“We have a very strong team. We know where our strength is. So now the most important thing is to approach Gabon carefully and utilise all the scoring opportunities we create,” she said.

Kesegofetse ‘Odinga’ Mochawe said their main aim, as players, would be to qualify for the WAFCON, given that they now know what it took to compete at Africa’s showpiece.

“We are committed and we want to qualify again to show Africa that our first qualification was not a fluke,” she said.

Mitchell Abueng, another player, said they were all looking forward to Gabon’s clash adding that morale was high in camp and all the players were determined to produce good results.

She said all what they needed from the nation was support in order for them to bring good results.

“Generally, I would say so far so good. We have been preparing well for Gabon and Batswana should rally behind us,” she said.

Provisional Squad Goalkeepers: Bame Mokime (Double Action), Gloria Moeng (Security Systems), Tlamelo Pheresi (Gaborone United) Sedilame Bosija (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Defenders: Pearl Sikwane, Masego Montsho (Security Systems),Veronica Mogotsi, Desiree Kenyaditswe (Double Action) Nancy Baeletsi, Goitsemang Tlamma (Gaborone United), Kesegofetse Mochawe (Not attached)

Midfielders: Obonetse Rathari, Balotlhanyi Johannes, Lesego Radiakanyo, Oteng Bonang (Double Action), Anna Sechane Selebatso Golebaone, Lone Gaofetoge, Keitumetse Dithebe, Jessica Maponga (Gaborone United), Mokgabo Thanda (Yasa Queens), Laone Moloi (Security Systems), Messia Radinonyane, Dimpho Samatoto (Orapa All Stars)

Strikers: Leungo Senwelo, Ontalemetse Gaonyadiwe (Double Action), Refilwe Tholakele (Mamelodi Sundowns), Michell Abueng (BDF X1), Theo George (Prisons). Ends