Tough choices ahead of netball team selection
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday November 28, 2025 08:44
The announcement will precede the team's final training camp. Botswana will return to the competition, to be held in Malawi, after missing the 2024 edition due to financial constraints. The Africa Netball Cup, which will be staged from December 8 to 14, will also serve as a World Cup qualifier.
Mosoahle-Samm told MmegiSport that it has been difficult to decide, but emphasised that 'difficult' is good, she said, as it means competition was very high amongst the players.
Asked if the players are where she wants them to be ahead of the tournament, she said some of the players have reached the level, whilst others are still learning, as they are mostly inexperienced.
Mosoahle-Samm said competition will be the ultimate decider.
Experience is expected to be a factor when picking the squad, as players, including Ntebogang Motlakaloso, Hildah Binang, Maungo Simon, Boikanyo Selegotso, and Florence Poane, have been in the national team for years.
'There has been a couple of niggles, nothing to really worry about. Players are ready and excited to compete,' she said.
'On the issue of experience, it will always be paramount to the team. Experienced players are leading by example and I am grateful for that as it makes our team management easier as coaches.'
Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president, Mpopi Moatlhodi, noted the plan is to have final preparations tomorrow and then announce the squad.
She said they had a plan to conduct the final training in South Africa, but the lack of funds meant the schedule was not possible.
The men's team has also been training alongside the women's side, but their travel to Malawi remains unclear due to a lack of funds.
BONA spokesperson, Reggie Pitso, told this publication that he was not aware of the travelling status of the men's team.
'As we speak I cannot say if they are travelling or not. But the plan is for the two teams to travel together,' Pitso said.
Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho, South Africa, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and Eswatini will participate in the tournament. The competition will not only determine the continental champions but also serve as ranking games.
Meanwhile, out of the 10 umpires appointed by World Netball, Botswana is represented by Boikhutso Tuelo. Africa Netball has invited two other local umpires, Karabo Merapelo and Obuile Ramosesane, to officiate at the tournament.