Botswana’s women’s national football team, known as the Mares, is set to compete in the Tunisia Cup Women 2024, with their opening match scheduled for Saturday, July 13. The Botswana Football Association (BFA) recently announced the final squad selected by head coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang.
Originally, 30 players were in contention, but the list has now been narrowed down to 24. This is the group that will represent Botswana in Tunisia.
Key omissions from the squad include goalkeeper Bame Mokime and forwards Refilwe Tholakele and Lesego Duduetsang Radiakanyo, who did not make the final cut.
The finalized squad includes a balanced mix of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards.
The team arrived in Tunisia on Wednesday, July 10, and is gearing up for their matches against Tanzania on July 13 and hosts Tunisia on July 15.
Botswana Women’s Final Squad for Tunisia Cup Women 2024:
Goalkeepers:
- Sedilame Bosija (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
- Tlamelo Pheresi (Gaborone United)
- Doris Motshegwa (Wonder Girls)
Defenders:
- Lorato Motlogelwa (Makufa SC)
- Boitumelo Gammu (Double Action)
- Mokgabo Thanda (YASA, Zambia)
- Masego Montsho (Henan FC, China)
- Lone Gaofetoge (Gaborone United)
- Kesegofetse Mochawe (Gaborone United)
- Goitsemang Tlamma (Mexican Girls FC)
Midfielders:
- Nancy Baeletsi (Gaborone United)
- Precious Tlhapi (Makufa SC)
- Tshegofatso Mosotho (Mazottie)
- Golebaone Selebatso (Gaborone United)
- Laone Moloi (Gaborone United)
- Atang Busang (Gaborone United)
Forwards:
- Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe (Gaborone United)
- Jessica Modise (Mexican Girls)
- Mitchell Abueng (BDF XI)
- Leungo Senwelo (Double Action)
- Peggy Manewe (Double Action)
- Jessica Maponga (Gaborone United)
- Nondi Fingi Mahlasela (Prisons XI)
- Keitumetse Dithebe (Gaborone United)
The Mares’ preparation for the tournament has been intensive, with coach Nkutlwisang and her staff focusing on building a cohesive unit capable of competing at a high level.
The selection process was rigorous, and the final squad reflects a mix of experience and youthful energy.
Botswana’s participation in the Tunisia Cup Women 2024 provides an opportunity for the team to test their mettle against strong opposition.
The tournament also serves as a valuable platform for the players to showcase their talents on an international stage, potentially attracting attention from scouts and clubs beyond Africa.
The Mares will face Tanzania in their first match, a team known for their physical style of play and tactical discipline. Botswana’s defense will need to be vigilant, and their attack sharp, to secure a positive result.
The second match against Tunisia will likely present a different set of challenges, with the hosts expected to leverage their home advantage and local support.
Botswana’s squad features players from various clubs, both domestically and internationally, which adds a layer of diversity and experience to the team.
Players like Sedilame Bosija, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, bring invaluable exposure to higher levels of competition, which can be crucial in high-stakes matches.
As the Mares prepare to embark on this competitive journey, they carry the hopes of their nation, aiming to perform admirably and make a mark in the Tunisia Cup Women 2024.
Their progress will be closely followed by fans and supporters back home, eager to see their team succeed on the international stage.
