Mares prepare for life after Bebeto :: Mmegi Online

As more than a decade-long international career nears, the senior women national team selectors are forced to look for options. Long-serving team captain, Bonang Otlhagile was notably absent against Banyana Banyana on Tuesday, as a new central pair was tasked with shielding the Mares posts. But has the new-look defence passed the test, asks Mmegi Sport Correspondent, KABELO BORANABI

Retirement is inevitable for 34-year-old skipper, Bonang Otlhagile. She has more than a decade-long service in the senior team having made her debut as a teenager. ‘Bebeto’ as she is commonly known, started as an attacker but it was her versatility that helped her remain at the highest level of women’s football for long. At her early age, she presented several options in the attack she could as a central forward, a winger or an attacking midfielder.

She then dropped to a central midfield position as she approached her prime, but she then settled in a central defensive role. Since her debut, she has been ever-present in the team. On Tuesday afternoon, Otlhagile was watching from the stands in a tie used to prepare the team for the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) and the COSAFA Championships.

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Mares prepare for life after Bebeto

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