Nkutlwisang hints at deeper Mares problems
Mqondisi Dube | Monday October 19, 2026 16:00
It was one of the Mares’ heaviest defeats in recent years, despite the team having reached successive Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals.
In the aftermath of the defeat, coach Gaolethoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutlwisang has hinted at deep-seated disciplinary issues within the Mares camp. In February, the team was rocked by a player protest ahead of their departure for the COSAFA Cup, hosted by South Africa. Then-coach Alex Malete was removed, whilst some senior players were dropped from camp.
This week, Nkutlwisang told MmegiSport that there had been concerning issues in camp, pointing to disciplinary problems that she believes are hindering the team’s progress.
“In the past two camps, there were attitudes that were detrimental to the progress of the team. Some players were hiding injuries. Some technical team members arrived late when they could have assisted with assessing players to determine who was fit and who was not. The players should know that they are there to represent the country and should give 100% mentally, physically, and technically,” she said.
Nkutlwisang, who accepted responsibility for the team’s defeat, said there was a need for earlier preparations in future. However, she warned that players who lacked discipline and commitment could be left out of her plans.
“We did not get the result we wanted, and we cannot be too hard on the players. But in future, we will work with those who are disciplined, willing to work hard, and committed to achieving something with the team. Sometimes players are red, whilst at times they are orange, and I do not think I will continue working with players who have attitude problems,” she said.
“There are young players coming into the team, so if they see this attitude from senior players, what will they say?” Nkutlwisang asked. She also revealed that there had been covert, side meetings within the camp, adding that such matters would be taken to the Botswana Football Association (BFA). “I should take these issues to the association and say this is how I want things to work and these are the people I want to work with, so that they respect the process and understand that, when you are given a chance, whatever you do affects the team and the person leading it,” she said. The BFA has yet to publicly respond following the team’s elimination from the Olympic Games qualifiers.