16 Oct 2024

Botswana women’s national team, The Mares have reported for camp to prepare for the coming HOLLYWOODBETS COSAFA Women’s Championship that will be held in Gqeberha, South Africa from October 22- 02 November.

The Mares are in Group B and the first fixture will be against defending champions Malawi on 23 October, followed by Mauritius on October 26. Two days later they will face Madagascar.

Their coach Alex Malete, in an interview said that they were busy preparing for the championship.

He said they had one player who was recovering from injury, Desiree Kenyaditswe, and the rest of the players were available.

Malete said the main challenge they had picked since they started their camp on Thursday was the fitness level of the players.

Malete said they were currently trying to adapt as to how they want to play the tactics to fit the fitness level of the players, so that they could manage their games well and manage to get the results that they want.

“But for sure we are going to be very competitive and we take this competition very serious as we are preparing for WAFCON. We have never won it as a nation, we are looking to do that,” he said.

Malete said in the coming edition they would leave no stone unturned and make it all the way.

In other issues, Malete said the key difference in their game was their first group match against defending champions Malawi, a game which he said was going to be tactical.

“Whoever wins the group will make it to the semifinals, and if we happen that we play to a draw against Malawi,  the group will be decided on goals,” he said.

Furthermore, Malete said he was aware that his team was lacking goals, something which he said they had been working a lot in front of the box, trying to work on their finishing.

He said currently, they were busy analysing Malawi individuals and as how they play as a team, adding that they were a very competitive team

Provisional Squad

Goal Keepers: Sedilame Bosija (Mamelodi Sundown-South Africa), Tlamelo Pheresi (Gaborone United), Lesego Moeng (FC Ongos –Namibia).

Midfielders: Nancy Baeletsi, Golebaone Selebatso, Laone Moloi (Gaborone United), Tshegofatso Mosotho (Mazottie FC), Obonetse Rathari (Double Action), Precious Tlhapi (Township Rollers)

Defenders: Masego Montsho (FC Henan –China), Mokgabo Thanda (Green Buffalloes-Zambia), Lone Gaofetoge (Hakkarigugu Spor Kulubu-Turkey), Bonang Oteng, Desiree Kenyaditswe, Veronica Mogotsi (Double Action), Kesego Mochawe (Gaborone United), Boitumelo Gammu (FC Ongos-Namibia), Lorato Motlogelwa (Makufa SC)

Forwards: Balotlhanyi Johanannes, Peggy Manewe, Lesego Radiakanyo (Double Action), Leungo Senwelo (Mazottie FC), Jessica Maponga, Atang Busang, Keitumetse Dithebe, Jessica Modise, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse (Gaborone United) Nondi Mahlasela (Prisons XI) Mitchel Abueng (BDFX1) BOPA