Botswana miss out on Women's Champions League
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday March 26, 2021 11:44
The tournament is the first of its kind in the African women club continental football. It will pit eight of the best women football teams on the continent, including the host country. However, local football teams will not have to wait until next year to have a shot at the CAF’s newest tournament.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport, BFA head of women football, Tsholofelo Setlhoko said the recent suspension of sporting activities has crushed any hopes of playing in the Champions League. She said the BFA had to cancel the national playoffs to determine the country’s representative at the tournament.
The preliminary round of the competition is set to begin in May and June, which presents limited time for local teams to prepare. “We would have really liked and hoped to participate, but as things stand it could be not possible. Before the suspension (of sports activities), we had planned to host a tournament for our teams to determine the national champions this month. It will not be possible now, due to the restrictions, so for these reasons I do not think we can be able to participate in the tournament,” Setlhoko said.
She added the country had hoped to qualify for the tournament by being the hosts, but their bid has foiled.
“It was in our interest to try a bid to host the Champions League. We had since written to the executive committee, but they responded that the country is planning on hosting the 2027 AFCON so that is where the focus is at the moment. The other thing was that it was at short notice, CAF opened for bids this month whilst the tournament is to be played later this year. So, we thought we are not ready to host a very successful tournament. That is why we did not bid,” Setlhoko said.
CAF had opened for the bidding process on March 4 and neighbours in South Africa are said to be leading the race. CAF requires a minimum of two stadiums, four training facilities and accommodation plans in addition to the official government guarantee from bidding countries.
The qualifying process of the tournament will be played in zones to determine the seven teams that will compete at the finals set to be played between October, November or December.