16 Jun 2025

The senior women’s national football team, The Mares left for Casablanca, Morocco today where they will participate in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament, scheduled from July 5 to July 26. 

The Mares, who will be making their second appearance in the tournament, have been placed in Group B with Algeria, Nigeria and Tunisia. 

Speaking at the team’s sendoff ceremony in Gaborone yesterday, acting Minister of Sport and Arts, Lawrence Ookeditse said qualifying for the continental football showpiece twice in a row was a result of a relentless effort, countless hours of training, dedication, focused mindset and a steadfast belief. 

Ookeditse said whilst in Morocco, the players should play for every girl who dreamt of lacing up those boots and ‘play for the flag, play for the badge, play for the stories yet to be told’. 

“As you step onto that field, remember this, you are not alone. Behind you is a country that believes in you. 

Ahead of you is a continent waiting to witness your greatness. 

Go and show them that The Mares are not just participants, they are real contenders,” he said. For a long time, he said the Motswana girl child, especially in sport, had played purely for the love of the game. 

“But today, we see you getting the recognition you so rightfully deserve as professionals. 

We have seen your names up for national accolades. 

We have watched you captivate crowds, and we have felt the rhythm of your perseverance in every match played. 

That, right there, is what dreams look like when driven by discipline, passion, and courage,” he said.

Recently, he said The Mares were awarded the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service, adding that alone showed the exceptional achievement and dedication the team had given to the country.  “Today, you sit here not just as players, but as trailblazers and role models; standing on the brink of continental greatness. 

You have inspired the nation and the world especially women in sport. 

Because of your achievements, there is a girl child out there who is encouraged to believe they can also make it,” he said. 

Ookeditse also thanked all the stakeholders, who were associated to women’s football in Botswana “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to those that have seen it fit to prepare the team even before they could qualify for the prestigious regional tournament. 

First National Bank Botswana for being the anchor sponsor for The Mares, Diamond Trading Company Botswana, for paving the way through the DTCB Women’s Football Championship, which concluded successfully some few day back,” he said. 

The Mares coach, Alex Malete said he was confident that he was travelling with committed players who understood the assignment very well. ENDS