FRANCISTOWN: The Botswana senior women's team, the Mares, will be able to field a full-strength team against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier at the Obed Itani Chilume today.
During a press conference at the Obed Itani Chilume yesterday (Wednesday), the Mares head coach, Alex Malete, told reporters that his troops have a clean bill of health. “Everyone will be available for selection tomorrow (Friday). My players are ready for the match,” said Malete. According to the latest FIFA rankings released in December last year, the DRC is ranked 102 in the world, whilst Botswana is at number 153.
Asked if the rankings will have any bearing on the fixture, Malete said rankings are nothing as the Mares have previously defeated teams which were above them during the back-to-back qualification for the WAFCON finals. Malete said qualifying for the WAFCON for the third time in a row will mean a lot for the team. “Qualifying for WAFCON three times in a row will mean a lot for us. It will offer the players countless opportunities. It will also show that we are consistent, and grassroots development will come in handy in this regard,” he said. Malete and the team’s captain, Sedilame Boseja, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, urged Batswana to come to the game to give the team the moral support it highly needs.
“We plead with Batswana to support us tomorrow. We urge them to come to the game well on time and in large numbers,” he stated.
