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Coach Nkutlwisang Beefs Up Squad

Apr 7, 2021

The Botswana Women senior national team coach, Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang has intensified her squad by calling to camp the experienced trio of Bonang Othagile, Nondi Matlhasela and Masego Montsho ahead of the much anticipated and fierce battle with neighbouring archrivals, Banyana Banyana of South Africa.

The friendly match which opens a calendar and series of camps ahead of the upcoming African Women’s Cup of Nations’ (AWCON) second round will start with an away and friendly encounter in Johannesburg’s Bidvest Wits Stadium on Tuesday, April 13th, 2021 against Desiree Ellis’ squad.

The three players were initially left out of ‘The Mares’ camp to allow coach Nkutlwisang to observe other players, mainly Under-20 players whom she wants to integrate in the senior team setup. The coach is confident on what the upcoming youngsters can offer and strongly believes the trio will add the much-needed experience and verve to the camp and her already raring squad.

“The camp has been going very well and I’m happy. Our players continue to work hard to achieve the much-needed fitness levels and balance that with all the technical tactics emanating from the coaches’ department,” said Nkutlwisang adding that, “Our national team is in a transition period and that’s why we have amalgamated the youthful players and the experienced force, respectively. We plan to achieve this before enduring the AWCON qualifiers. Generally, the technical team is happy with the progress of the young players, they are full of energy and have the zeal to represent the country and uphold our national pride. Let’s rally behind them”.

Othagile and Montsho reported to camp on Monday while Mathasela joined the team today (Wednesday). Meanwhile the team is expected to leave for South Africa this coming Sunday (April 11, 2021) and is expected back home on the 15th of April 2021 (Thursday).

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Botswana and Algeria Strengthen Sports Ties, with Football Development in Focus

Francistown, Botswana – The Honourable Minister of Sport & Arts, Mr. Jacob Kelebeng, recently welcomed a courtesy visit from Honourable Walid Sadi, Algeria’s Minister of Youth & Sports, along with His Excellency Ambassador Abdelmalek Tigharhar of Algeria.

The discussions centered on fostering collaboration between the two nations in sports development, with particular emphasis on Paralympics, football, boxing, and athletics. This engagement presents valuable opportunities for Botswana to benefit from Algeria’s advanced sporting infrastructure, training programs, and technical expertise.

As part of the visit, Honourable Sadi also met with BFA President Mr. Tariq Babitseng, alongside Minister Kelebeng. Discussions highlighted Algeria’s well-established football development structures, coaching programs, and talent identification pathways, which could serve as a benchmark for Botswana’s football growth strategy.

BFA President Emphasizes Football Development

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, BFA President Mr. Tariq Babitseng expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that Botswana stands to gain valuable insights from Algeria’s football model.

“Football development remains a key priority for the BFA, and this engagement allows us to benchmark against one of Africa’s leading football nations. Algeria’s structured approach to grassroots football, coaching development, and high-performance training presents a great learning opportunity for Botswana. We are excited about the potential collaborations that will enhance our football structures and elevate the sport in the country,” said Babitseng.

The Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Ms. Nancy Chengeta of the Ministry of Sport & Arts (MOSA), along with key sports leadership figures, including:

✅ BNSC Chairperson: Mr. Marumo Morule

✅ BNSC CEO: Mr. Tuelo D. Serufho

✅ BNSC Executive Management

✅ Botswana Football Association (BFA) Executives

✅ Various dignitaries and stakeholders

The BFA remains committed to building strategic international partnerships that contribute to the growth, professionalization, and long-term sustainability of football in Botswana.