26 Jun 2025

The Botswana senior women national football team, The Mares travelled to Casablanca, Morocco with young players who will make their debut at the upcoming TotalEnegies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Gaborone United players, Yaone Modise, Obonetse Rathari and Jesicca Maponga as well as Mazottie FC midfielder, Tshegofatso Mosotho and Double Action forward, Peggy Manewe have played impressively and there is doubt that they deserve to don the national team colours.

Having only competed in the COSAFA tournaments, making it to the Mares squad is a dream come true for the players. For 19-year-old, Modise, who have played for COSAFA U-20 tournaments and the senior team, but being called for WAFCON is something that she will always cherish.

 “This is a great opportunity for me. Looking at my age, I still have some more years to represent my country,” she said in an interview. 

Should she be given a run during the tournament, she promised not to disappoint the nation and the technical team, which she believed had confidence in her.  Maponga, aged 21, said she was ready to fight for the badge, adding that having been given this opportunity was a clear demonstration that the technical team believed in her capabilities.

“I know some see Group B as a very difficult group, but we are equally ready for the task, and we are also here to compete, they should take note of that,” she said. 

Maponga said they were getting good guidance from the senior players and were ready.  For her part, Manewe said being part of the WAFCON squad was a sign that the technical team had confidence in her.  She said she was aware that the WAFCON was one of the biggest in Africa, adding that should she be given a chance, she was ready to deliver. 

“There is no time for nerves, we are already here, and thanks to the senior players who are making things easy for us. They always tell us to take it easy, so we are ready for the fight,” she said. 

Rathari said she was aware that WAFCON was a big stage, and for her to be part of the team spoke volume about her performance. She said she was also ready to show Africa her potential, adding that the most important thing was to remain calm, focused and believe that as a country, they could also stand up and be counted. 

Mosotho said she was looking forward to the tournament to begin, and was of the view that The Mares had a capable squad to compete. She said for her to be included in the squad meant that her hard work throughout the years were paying off. 

“I am not under any pressure. In fact, I will take things as they come, but should the coach call my name during the tournament, I am more than ready to prove my mettle,” she said. ENDS