The ‘dirty half dozen’ that could trigger a Mares revolution
Mqondisi Dube | Friday October 16, 2026 10:39
Like the 12 troubled soldiers assembled for a seemingly impossible mission in the classic 1967 war film The Dirty Dozen, the Mares found themselves in a battle that exposed deep-rooted weaknesses. But unlike the film’s dozen soldiers, the women’s team had six goals to contend with, a half-dozen that could prove to be a turning point. Each goal conceded carried a different weight, with every ball that hit the back of the net signalling a fresh blow, potentially career-defining for those on the receiving end, from the players to the technical team.
The six-goal humiliation could force the Botswana Football Association (BFA) into a technical overhaul, whilst coach Gaolethoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutlwisang has hinted at immediate changes to the playing personnel.
Nkutlwisang wants an injection of youth into the squad, as the golden generation that took the nation to its maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) appearance in 2022 continues to age. The team’s decline has been alarming, particularly given the lofty standards it set on its way to that historic continental debut. As the players touched down at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport following the ill-fated trip to Dar es Salaam, the mood was one of finality, the end of the Olympic dream. But whilst the players returned home to lick their wounds, the boardroom could be preparing for a painful post-mortem that could usher in a new chapter.
Coach Nkutlwisang expressed disappointment over the elimination, although she believes the team should have played more international friendlies. The Mares had two preparatory matches against Namibia.
“The preparations were fine, although I feel we spent too much time out of camp. Maybe going forward, we have to select young players, with a few experienced ones to lead them. During our previous camps, there were concerning situations where players were hiding injuries. It is an attitude that will not take us forward,” she said.
Nkutlwisang said some members of the technical team reported late to camp, affecting their assessment of the players.
On her future with the Mares, the coach maintained that she had the right credentials to take the team forward. “I do not know why you are asking if I am still the right person. I believe I am the right person. Anyone can be worried when you lose 6-0, but it is a game of football, and I cannot hang my head. Anything that comes my way, I will accept. Yes, 6-0 is a big scoreline, but it is the kind of result you get when you are disorganised,” she said.
Nkutlwisang called for forward-planning rather than waiting for competitions to approach before preparing. She said the team still lagged in certain technical aspects, highlighting the need for players to spend more time together.
“Yes, we lost, but we cannot be too hard on the players. Going forward, we will work with those who are disciplined and willing to work hard, not those who are red today and orange tomorrow,” Nkutlwisang said.
As the assessment of the disastrous trip to Tanzania takes centre stage, the Botswana Football Association will be under pressure to find immediate solutions, with Nkutlwisang hinting at wider disciplinary issues that may have contributed to the team’s poor performance.