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Senior National Women’s team make passionate plea as they prepare for AWCON qualifiers

Apr 9, 2021

The Botswana women senior national football team has called on the nation to rally behind them as they open their year with a series of camps and friendlies that will see them go head-to-head with our neighbors, Namibia in the first round of the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers in June 2021.

Despite the prevailing challenges of no footballing action in the country courtesy of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ladies are upbeat and oozing with confidence that they will triumph in all their set quests. Currently in camp, women’s senior team have rigorously been preparing well as they look to gain more positives against their opponents.

Captain Otlhagile (17) taking a breather during training

Team captain, Bonang ‘Bebeto’ Otlhagile says the mood in their camp is high as every player is yearning and armed with a desire to represent their country and do well particularly with regards to the forthcoming encounter against Banyana Banyana of South Africa this coming Tuesday, April 13, 2021.

Bebeto noted that her teammates know what is at stake as they start their preparations for the looming AWCON, which will be held in Morocco next year, 2022.

“Most of us have been training on our own, in our own spaces because of covid-19. We have missed football so much and we are happy now to be back in action, to do what we love and represent our beautiful country of Botswana. Just by wearing national colours is more than an honour for us. The girls are working extremely hard to gain fitness. The mood here in camp is at an all-time high, we want to use these friendlies to help us perfect our skills to qualify for AWCON. We must be ready by June when the round robin qualifiers start. We have built a family as a team, so it’s always nice when we meet and play for one another and the nation,” said Otlhagile.

Goalkeeper Boseja (green) in action

Meanwhile, The Mares goalkeeper, Sedilame Boseja expressed the same sentiments adding that despite the long dry spell of no footballing activity in the country, individually the girls have been training on their own. She pleaded with the nation to support the team as it embarks on a qualification quest towards the coveted African showpiece.

“I strongly believe individually we have been training, looking at how easily we understood the combinations brought by our technical team. We therefore ask the nation to rally behind us, to motivate and support the team wholeheartedly. Obviously, we want to be that generation that makes history by qualifying,” said Boseja.

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BFA Welcomes New Zebras Head Coach, Morena Ramoreboli

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Morena Ramoreboli as the new Head Coach of the Zebras. This marks an exciting new chapter for Botswana football, as the men’s and women’s national teams recently achieved historic qualifications for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 – only the second time both teams have qualified in the same year.

Mr. Ramoreboli brings over a decade of top-level coaching experience and holds a CAF A license. His accomplishments include winning two Botswana Premier League titles and securing two CAF Champions League qualifications with Jwaneng Galaxy, achieving significant victories against teams like Orlando Pirates and Wydad Athletic Club. His familiarity with many of Botswana’s players from his time at the club level ensures a seamless transition into his new role.

The BFA has set clear targets for Mr. Ramoreboli, including progressing beyond the group stages at AFCON 2025, collecting at least 12 points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, qualifying for CHAN 2026, and winning the 2025 COSAFA Senior Men’s Challenge. Additionally, improving Botswana’s FIFA ranking to the top 30 in Africa is a key objective.

To achieve these goals, the BFA is committed to providing the necessary resources and support for the Zebras. The Association also calls on all Batswana to rally behind Mr. Ramoreboli and the national teams. Fans are encouraged to attend matches and create an electrifying atmosphere during the World Cup qualifiers. Plans are underway to make travel packages available for supporters to cheer on the teams in Morocco for the Women’s AFCON and in December for the men’s AFCON.

The BFA also appeals to the media to play an active role in building excitement and uniting the nation behind the Zebras and Mares. A collaborative committee will be formed to drive fan engagement and ensure widespread support.

“We are confident that with Mr. Ramoreboli’s vision, experience, and leadership, the Zebras will achieve great success. With unity and the unwavering support of the nation, there is no limit to what we can accomplish,” said the BFA President.