the monitor

Red Roses plot COSAFA defence after historic domestic triumph

Gaborone United (GU) ladies team are already drawing up plans to defend their CAF Women's Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers title. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG
Gaborone United (GU) ladies team are already drawing up plans to defend their CAF Women's Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers title. PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

PALAPYE: Fresh from completing a historic domestic three-peat, Gaborone United (GU) ladies team are already drawing up plans to defend their CAF Women's Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers title.

The team’s coach, Khalid Ninyonzima, declared that the Red Roses' next target is a return to the continental stage. Having become the first Botswana club to win the regional qualifiers and qualify for the CAF Women's Champions League finals last year, GU now have the opportunity to prove that their breakthrough campaign was no one-off success. Ninyonzima revealed that preparations for the next challenge will commence almost immediately, with the club set to review its squad and resources ahead of the September qualifiers. "I think there is enough time because COSAFA is in September," Ninyonzima said after his side wrapped up a third consecutive national championship on Saturday played at the Palapye Stadium.

"You have to go back and meet the owners and directors and see what we can do and what the plan will be," he added. The coach made it clear that GU are not content with domestic dominance alone. Instead, the Red Roses want to retain their regional crown and continue building towards becoming a consistent force in African women's football. "Our plan is to go again and win the COSAFA, God willing, we'll do that. Then go for CAF someday," he said. The statement reflects the growing ambition within a club that has steadily raised the bar for women's football in Botswana. Last year, GU made history by conquering Southern Africa and becoming the first local women's side to reach the CAF Women's Champions League finals, a feat that elevated both the club and the country's profile on the continent.

Editor's Comment
Mob justice isn't just

A young man suspected of breaking into a car was seized by residents, severely assaulted, and died in the hospital within an hour. We unreservedly condemn this mob justice. It is not a solution to crime, but a criminal offence that turns citizens into murderers.Residents are understandably angry about theft. The person who raised the alarm at 4am acted lawfully, and the neighbours who rushed to help showed community spirit. But what followed was...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up