Weakened squad for women's COSAFA Cup
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday July 19, 2019 12:42
Botswana will also send a team to the inaugural COSAFA Under-20 championships, both tournaments to be played in Port Elizabeth, South Africa early next month.
The senior women’s team, the Mares leave on August 4 for a two-week training camp in Slovakia as part of the preparations for the crucial 2020 Olympic Games clash against South Africa.
The BFA will send a ‘team B’ side of which the core is the Under-20 players, to the senior women’s challenge while the Under-17 side will represent the country at the Under-20 level.
“Both teams are going there to compete and we hope they can both advance from the group stages. It is also important that the teams gain experience and grow on the international stage,” BFA public relations officer, Tumo Mpatane said.
The Under-20 coach, Jacqueline Gaboinelwe will lead the Mares and has picked a strong side that includes the attacking duo of Esalenna Galekhutle and Keitumetse Dithebe.
The pair was in inspiring form last season scoring 46 goals between them for Mexican Girls in the Kweneng Regional League. The Mares have been drawn in Group B against Zambia, western neighbours, Namibia and minnows Mauritius.
BDF XI women’s team coach, Tapaphiwa Gaebolae will take charge of the Under-20s. The team has been pitted against powerhouse Zambia, minnows eSwatini and Tanzania.
Gaebolae has included last season top goal scorer, Segakolodi Didukanyane in her squad. The Mexican Girls attacker scored 28 goals in the previous season, making her the highest scorer across the regions.
The senior women’s championships will start on July 31 until August 11, 2019 while the Under-20s tournament will run from August 1 to 11.
The travelling squads
Senior Team
Goalkeepers: Tebogo Lesego, Bame Mokime, Lesego Moeng
Defenders: Kaone Kgokong, Miriam Ramotserere, Tlamelo Rametlae, Kgomotso Molefe, Gloria Pilane, Basego Sembuwa, Theo Keselebale, Godiramang Gonae
Midfielders: Esalenna Galekhutle, Lone Gaofetege, Keitumetse Dithebe, Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, Letso Botlhale, Kefilwe Lentswe, Thando Mokgabo
Attackers: Mitchelle Abueng, Tshegofatso Mosotho
Under-20s
Goalkeepers: Sharon Sedimonyane, Doris Motshegwa
Defenders: Pearl Sikwane, Annah Sechane, Lorato Motlogelwa, Thuto Radipitse, Christina Munyatsi, Kemo Moloise
Midfielders: Bofelo Rantsho, Obonetse Rathari, Lone Kgalaeng, Segakolodi Didukanyane, Maryjane Monyake, Casandra Zulu, Theo George, Getrude Seambala
Attackers: Leungo Senwelo, Retlhabile Segobye, Kewarona Kelaotswe, Phetso Selaledi