16 Jul 2025

Despite not advancing to the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), there is optimism about the future of the senior women’s football team, The Mares.

Keleeme Bahakgametse, a member of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) national executive committee, expressed the association’s continued support for the team

“They just need to be supported so that they can reach their potential, and in the near future, they are a strong team,” Bahakgametse stated. 

He said that women’s football was considered a ‘low hanging fruit,’ prompting deliberate efforts by the BFA to bolster its development.

Team Botswana’s head of delegation and head coach, Alex Malete, outlined plans for upcoming competitions, notably the 2028 WAFCON and the Olympic Games. 

“What we already know is that we did not qualify for the next WAFCON, but there will be another in 2028 and the Olympics,” he said. 

He said it was important to  build a stronger team to compete in big tournaments and mentioned the need to integrate promising junior players into the senior squad.

Malete pointed out that some talented young players, Jessica Maponga, Jessica Modise, Peggy Manewe, and Oratitile Rathari had not yet received sufficient game time at the senior level.

 “We need to give them enough minutes so they are ready to deliver when the time comes,” he explained. 

In addition, he highlighted the potential of other emerging talents, including Desiree Kenyaditswe, Lorato Motlogelwa, and promising under-17 and under-20 players like Hope Lesotlo, Lebogang Dilelo, Lotang Ebineng, and Amogelang Sebotho. 

“These players are the future,” Malete said. 

However, balancing education and football remains a challenge. Many of these young athletes are still in secondary school, making it difficult to participate in both academic activities and training camps. Malete noted.

 “We cannot afford to miss school when under-17, under-20, and senior players are in camp, so we need a solution that accommodates their academic schedules.”

He said preparing for the 2028 WAFCON and Olympic qualifiers was critical, emphasising that playing against top-tier opponents would enhance their competitiveness. 

“After this WAFCON, teams have seen our potential and the level we are at. It is crucial to utilise FIFA weeks to prepare adequately,” he said. ENDS