12 Feb 2026

The Mares head coach, Alex Malete, has released a preliminary squad that will compete at the COSAFA Women’s Championships to be held in Polokwane from February 18 to March 1.

Veteran players Golebaone Selebatso and Boitumelo Gammu have not been included in the COSAFA preliminary squad.

However, Malete has called up five Under-20 players who also featured in the World Cup qualifiers against Cameroon on Saturday.

The coach said the squad includes players making a return to the national team, such as Lorato Motlogelwa, Atang Busang and Precious Tlhapi, who previously missed out on travelling with the team to WAFCON due to military training commitments.

Malete said he was happy with their return, noting that they missed last year’s WAFCON. 

He added that experienced players were also selected due to the short preparation period.

“If you look at players such as Leungo Senwelo, who has been out due to injury, and Jessica Maponga, who has also been nursing an injury, then considering the expectations from COSAFA and the level of competition, this has forced us to also call experienced players,” he said.

Furthermore, Malete said in the event that Senwelo and Maponga are not fit in time, players such as Balotlhanyi Johannes have been recalled to strengthen the squad.    He also highlighted the inclusion of experienced players like Nondi Mahlasela.

The Squad

Goalkeepers:

Sedilame Bosija (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies – South Africa), Lesego Moeng (ZISD FC – Zambia), Tlamelo Pheresi (Gaborone United), Obusitse Letebele (Security Systems)

Defenders:

Desiree Kenyaditse, Kesegofetse Mochawe (Gaborone United Ladies), Rose Modumo (Township Rollers), Mokgabo Thanda (Green Buffaloes – Zambia), Lone Gaofetoge (Unattached), Lorato Motlogelwa (Makufa SC), Tshegofatso Mosotho, Godiramang Gonae (Mazottie), Hope Lesotlo (Dunamis), Masego Montsho (Security Systems), Veronica Mogotsi (Double Action)

Midfielders:

Obonetse Rathari, Leano Busang, Nancy Baeletsi (Gaborone United), Precious Tlhapi (BDF XI), Katlo Ditsile (Zodiac Collabo Girls), Laone Moloi (Jwaneng Galaxy)

Strikers:

Balotlhanyi Johannes (Double Action), Lesego Radiakanyo, Jessica Maponga, Jessica Modise, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, Keitumetse Dithebe (Gaborone United Ladies), Leungo Senwelo (Mazottie FC), Lebogang Dileleo (Dunamis), Refilwe Tholakele (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies – South Africa), Nondi Mahlasela (Prisons XI Ladies). BOPA