From missing COSAFA flight, Malete now heads to Manchester
Mqondisi Dube | Monday March 9, 2026 09:07
But in a dramatic shift in fortunes, Malete was chosen as one of seven coaches who will travel to England, where they will be attached to Manchester United, a dream move for any coach.
Malete is employed by the BFA as a youth development officer and was seconded to the Mares. He took charge of the Mares during last year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations finals, which were held in Morocco.
Whilst all appeared calm, Malete was surprisingly dropped at the 11th hour as the team was about to depart for the COSAFA Cup in Limpopo.
It got worse for him after reports that he had angered the association's top hierarchy after a Facebook post, which gave prominence to former BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti, whilst ignoring the current leadership.
Last week, the BFA wrote to Malete to show cause why disciplinary action should not be taken against him. He had up to February 28 to respond.
Whilst there was a dark cloud hanging over him, the silver lining appeared in the form of a trip to English giants, Manchester United, after a trip facilitated by President Duma Boko and the Red Devils shareholder, Jim Ratcliffe.
The other six coaches who will be in Manchester for the high-level exchange programme are Kesego Kgaudi, Edwin Moalosi, William Monene, Godfrey Ranthoka, Thatayaone Boiki Sonny, and Seemo Mpatane, a crop of coaches expected to form the backbone of Botswana's technical team.
When announcing the seven coaches this week, Boko stated the move was a strategic investment in the future of football in Botswana.
'This opportunity is about exposure, learning, and raising standards, ensuring our coaches return better equipped to develop talent, strengthen our clubs, and elevate the national game,' the President said.