'Victory beyond words'
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday September 3, 2025 06:00
GU ladies went on better this year after finishing as runners-up in 2024, and are now the region's representatives at the CAF Champions League finals scheduled for later this year.
The team will join seven other sides drawn from the five other CAF sub-confederations, the tournament's defending champions, and the host nation's league-winning team.
The Red Roses beat Zambian side, Zesco Ndola Girls 4-3, on penalties in Johannesburg on Sunday after the two teams finished tied 1-1 in regulation time.
The record breaking victory sees GU become the first Botswana side to achieve the feat, while joining an elite company of South African side, Mamelodi Sundowns and Zambia's Green Buffaloes who have laid their hands on the trophy.
'This remarkable victory is beyond words. It was a nerve breaking episode. It is the sweetest victory achieved by our determined young ladies. I could say it is already engraved in Gaborone United rich history,' Zakhem said.
He also said the team will enjoy a few days' rest before they return to the field to prepare for the domestic league in October and also for the CAF Champions League finals.
'Our intention is to play a few international friendly games in preparation (for CAF) although the numbers will depend on availability of funds. At the recent COSAFA tournament, we felt the lack of competitive friendly games,' the GU director said.
He said funds from the COSAFA tournament would be used in part to fund their travel and other logistics to the host nation.
'However, such might not be sufficient hence we will reach out to the BNSC (Botswana National Sport Commission) through the Botswana Football Association, to top up in the event of a shortfall. At the moment we have not reached out to the BNSC as the final just concluded, but will do so in the near future.
'We appreciate any contribution is assisting us reach our goal to at least make the semi-final of the CAF competition,' he said.
Zakhem added they are looking for between P1.7 million and P2 million to prepare and compete at the finals.