GU’s rosy red dream blooms

Kabelo Boranabi | Wednesday September 3, 2025 09:29

A year after heartbreak in the final, the Roses made history by lifting the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers trophy in Johannesburg on Sunday, becoming the first team from Botswana to win the regional crown.

It was sweet redemption, as in the previous edition, GU lost the final on penalties to South Africa’s University of the Western Cape. This time around, they showed nerves of steel to edge Zambia’s ZESCO Ndola Girls 4-3 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw.

Keitumetse Dithebe’s cross forced an own goal from ZESCO’s Jackline Chomba just before halftime. But ZESCO equalised late through Fridah Kabwe, the hero of their semifinal win over Mamelodi Sundowns. With extra time failing to separate the sides, GU held firm in the shootout to complete a famous victory.

The Roses did not just win the title; they owned the tournament. Forward, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse finished as the top goalscorer with seven goals, while captain and goalkeeper, Tlamelo Pheresi walked away with the Best Goalkeeper award. The team also produced the competition’s biggest win, a 10-1 demolition of Lesotho’s Kick 4 Life in the group stage.

“This is a moment of immense pride not just for Gaborone United but for Botswana football as a whole,” said team manager Owe Mmolawa. “When we started this project, we set out to build a sustainable and competitive women’s football team. To see the Red Roses qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals is historic. It validates the planning and sacrifices made over the years.”

Mmolawa added that the players will be rewarded for their achievement, while GU will also push the Botswana Football Association to back their preparations. The club plans to propose the registration of foreign players for the local league to help raise standards and make Botswana teams even more competitive.

The team's head coach, William Monene did not hide his feelings after the win. 'Thank you to COSAFA for giving me this opportunity to showcase my talent. If your country does not care about you, the results will speak for you. I believe I have done a lot in Botswana, but my country doesn’t appreciate my efforts,' he is quoted in a post-match interview.

Monene made his fourth appearance at the competition, having led Double Action there twice before. This time, in his second attempt with GU, he finally got his hands on the crown.

The Red Roses now join an elite roll of champions that includes Sundowns, Zambia’s Green Buffaloes, and UWC.