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Botswana Women’s Senior National team doctor gives an update on injuries

Apr 12, 2021

The Botswana women’s senior national team doctor, Dr. Merero Ntshese this afternoon shared a medical update of the squad after their training session today at Wits Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they are preparing to face Banyana Banyana in an international friendly slated for tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1500hrs.

The team trained for the first time today (Monday) since arriving in South Africa last night (Sunday), and the doctor assured the technical team that all players are eligible to play despite three players having niggling injuries.

“All the players are eligible to play, we have managed these minor knocks overtime. They had minor injuries and they have all been undergoing rehabilitation. This is mainly due to prolong inactivity and low fitness levels but with time I expect injury rates to reduce,” said Dr. Ntshese.

Players in training at Wits Stadium

According to Dr. Ntshese the players with knocks are;

Masego Mfandiso

She had a hamstring strain grade 1. She went through rehabilitation during camp and she’s is now eligible to play.

Segakolodi Didukanyane

She sustained an ankle sprain grade1 and also went through rehabilitation. The swelling has since subsided, and she is able to bear weight, and doing exceptionally well with regards to return to play protocol.

BFA acting Technical Advisor Dr Carolin Braun during light training with the players

Keitumetse Dithebe

She suffered an ankle sprain grade 1, and she went through rehabilitation too. The swelling has since subsided, and she is able to bear weight and she’s also doing exceptionally well with regards to return to play protocol.

Bonang Otlhagile

The captain will not play any part of tomorrow’s action. She recently recovered from COVID-19 and she is on post recovery phase that requires rest as per the return to play protocol. She is awaiting investigations to rule out complications that she might have sustained as a result of COVID-19. The investigations are part of the Pre-Competition Medical Assessment of which is a requirement of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

BFA acting TD Dr. Carolin Braun and Coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang

The rest of squad, according to the team doctor is fully fit, charged up and ready to conquer Banyana Banyana tomorrow.

Players in training at Wits Stadium
BFA acting TD Dr. Carolin Braun and Coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang

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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.