Mares look to youth ahead of COSAFA test
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday February 16, 2026 09:03
Head coach, Alex Malete, this week unveiled a squad which features several Under-20 standouts alongside experienced campaigners. Placed in a tricky Group B, Botswana will face Zambia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe in the tournament set for February 18 to March 1 in Polokwane, South Africa.
Originally slated for last September, the championship was postponed due to the CAF Women’s Champions League schedule.
Malete signals a squad in transition. With the senior team approaching the post-prime stage and missing out on a third consecutive Women's Africa Cup of Nations finals for the 2026 edition, fresh legs are seen as essential.
The inclusion of Under-20 talent demonstrates a long-term vision, aiming to inject energy and build for the future.
Under-20 captain Katlo Ditsile has impressed in midfield for Zodiac Collab Girls and earned a call-up, whilst Rose Modumo (Township Rollers), Hope Lesotlo, and Lebogang Dilelo (Dunamis) also make the provisional squad.
Returning senior players include GU’s Jessica Maponga and Jessica Modise, alongside BDF XI midfielder Precious Tlhapi.
All Africa-based players have been called up, with the exception of full-back Boitumelo Gammu, who plays for FC Ongos in Namibia.
Meanwhile, the Under-20 team faces an uphill task this afternoon in the 2026 Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, hosting Cameroon in the second leg of the third-round clash. Trailing 5-0 from the first leg, Young Mares need six goals to progress against a formidable opponent.
Full Mares COSAFA Championship Provisional Squad: Goalkeepers: Sedilame Bosija (Mamelodi Sundowns, SA), Lesego Moeng (ZISD FC, Zambia), Tlamelo Pheresi (GU), and Obusitse Letebele (Systems)
Defenders: Kesegofetse Mochawe, Desiree Kenyaditswe (both GU), Rose Modumo (Rollers), Lone Gaofetoge (Unattached), Thanda Mokgabo (Green Buffaloes, Zambia), Lorato Motlogelwa (Makufa SC), Tshegofatso Mosotho, Godiramang Gonae (Mazottie), Hope Lesotlo (Dunamis), Masego Montsho (Systems), and Veronica Mogotsi (Double Action)
Midfielders: Obonetse Rathari, Leano Busang, Nancy Baeletsi (all GU), Precious Tlhapi (BDF XI), Katlo Ditsile (Zodiac Collab Girls), and Laone Moloi (Galaxy)
Forwards: Peggy Manewe (Double Action), Lesego Radiakanyo, Jessica Modise, Jessica Maponga, Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe, Keitumetse Dithebe (all GU), Leungo Senwelo (Mazzotie), Lebogang Dilelo (Dunamis), Mitchell Abueng (BDF XI), Refilwe Tholakele (Mamelodi Sundowns, SA), Balotlhanyi Johannes (Double Action), and Nondi Mahlasela