Alex Malete: The quiet architect behind Botswana’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations success

Alex Malete, the 35-year-old head coach of the Botswana women’s national football team, has emerged as one of the standout figures of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Known for his calm demeanor and measured approach, Malete’s leadership has been key in shaping a side that continues to impress on the continental stage.

Despite his young age, Malete has managed to instil a sense of composure and belief in his players. His ability to stay serene in the face of adversity has not only been a personal trait but also a quality he has seamlessly transferred to his team.

Whether in victory or defeat, Malete remains steadfast in his approach, allowing his players to express themselves freely on the pitch.

The Botswana head coach, however, is quick to downplay his role in the team’s progress. When asked about his influence on the side, Malete deflects the praise, preferring to shift the focus to his players.

“What you see on the pitch is the result of alchemy. I’m there to create the conditions. But it’s the players who write the story. All the credit goes to them,” he says with characteristic humility.

Malete’s coaching journey began in 2023 when he took over the reins as head coach of the national team. Prior to this, he served as an assistant coach, a role that allowed him to learn from those who had come before him.

It was during this time that he honed his understanding of how to connect with players and craft a tactical system that would bring out the best in his squad.

“I talk with my players to find out how they feel, gauge their determination, and get details that allow me to create a connection,” Malete explains.

This personal approach has enabled him to build a strong bond with his team, ensuring that the players feel valued and understood both on and off the pitch.

Under his leadership, Botswana has exceeded expectations. A surprising semi-finalist in the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the team showed remarkable resilience and ability, and despite finishing third in Group B in this year’s tournament with just three points, they failed to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Yet, Malete remains philosophical about the team’s performance. For him, the objective extends far beyond a mere result on the scoreboard.

“We haven’t proven anything yet. My real goal is for the team to come out of this competition with experience and maturity, regardless of the final ranking. This tournament is above all a learning ground,” Malete reflects after Botswana’s match against Tunisia.

His mindset encapsulates his broader vision for the team — one rooted in growth and long-term development rather than short-term glory.

As Botswana’s campaign in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations progresses, the team’s resilience, tactical discipline, and collective spirit continue to shine through, thanks in no small part to Malete’s leadership. While the journey may not always result in victories, his approach to the game — one focused on patience, unity, and continual improvement — has positioned him as one of the brightest young coaches in African football.

Through his leadership, Malete has demonstrated that success is not always defined by immediate results but by the long-term development of a team that can compete with the continent’s best. Whether or not Botswana advances further in the tournament, one thing is certain: under Malete’s guidance, the future of women’s football in Botswana looks increasingly promising.