05 Feb 2025

Botswana senior national women’s team head coach, Alex Malete has named a formidable side that will face the Leopards dames of DR Congo in the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers to be played at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium of February 20.

A total of 38 African nations will compete for the 12 available spots in the final phase, alongside host nation Morocco, which qualifies automatically. The winner between The Mares and The Leopards will face Banyana Banyana of South Africa in the next rounnd of the qualifiers. 

Malete has not left anything to chance as he has called all his arsenal from Africa and Europe to come and combat the Leopards. Although the DR Congo are a closed book to The Mares, Malete has been credited for his ability to research about his opponents and profile their strength. 

The young gaffer is also good in knowing as to which players could cause a havoc for his side and deploy his players according to their strengths.

In the goalkeeping department, Malete has called the tried and tested South African based captain Sedilame Boseja, together with Namibia based Lesego Moeng as well as locally based Tlamelo Pheresi who plays for Gaborone United and Wonder Girls goalkeeper Dorris Motshegwa.

As for the midfield, the coach will depend on Nancy Baeletso, Lone Moloi and Golebaone Selebatso from Gaborone United. From Mazottie FC, there is Tshegofatso Mosotho and Esalenna Galekhutlhe from William Carey University in USA.

The defence department is made up of Masego Montsho of Security Systems, Oteng Bonang, Kesegofetse Mochawe from Gaborone United while Double Action will be represented by Veronica Mogotsi. Still in defence there is Boitumelo Gammu from Ongos FC in Namibia, Mokgabo Thando from Green Buffaloes, Zambia, and ever hardworking Lone Gaofetoge who plies her trade in Turkey.

The striking department is made up of Double Action duo, Balotlhannyi Johannes and Peggy Manewe, from Gaborone United there is Lesego Radiakanyo, Jessica Maponga, Jessica Modise, and Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse.
There is also Leungo Senwelo from Mazottie FC, Nondi Mahalsela of Prisons XI, Masego Nfandiso from Bryant and Statton College in USA, and Keitumetse Dithebe who plays for ABB Fomget in Turkey. ENDS