20 Nov 2023

Two Botswana internationals, Refilwe Tholakele and Sedilame Bosija have been in the thick of things playing a crucial role in helping South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns lift the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League trophy.

In the final, which was played in Ivory Coast on November 19, Bosija was on bench and it was Tholakele who rose to the occasion and scored a brace for her team when  it defeated Morocco’s SC Casablanca 3-0.

Not only did the prolific striker play an instrumental role in the final match, Tholakele also emerged the tournament’s top goal scorer with an impressive five goals.

She was a marvel to watch throughout the tournament and her scoring skills became a defining force for Sundowns as she scored when it mattered the most.

Despite being on bench on final game, Bosija came to the party in most of the games she featurd in during the tournament and denied their opponents scoring opportunities.

Bosija has been an integral part of Sundowns’ success despite playing second fiddle to Andile Dlamini.

While it was Tholakele’s first CAF club final, for Bosija it was her third, with the same team. Already, she got two gold medals and one silver.

On Tholakele’s performance, Sunday Standard sport editor, Botlhale Koothopile said her performance speaks volume about her striking skills adding that while it was her first time in the final, she never looked out of place.

Koothopile further said besides her goal scoring prowess, Tholakele’s overall performance both in attack and defence were outstanding as well as her ability to effectively play across all positions in attack.

He said she ranked amongst the best in Africa. He said while Tholakele’s teammate,  Boitumelo Rabale won Player of the Tournament, she also equally deserved the award. ENDS