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Diamond Zebras dare to Dream

Jul 19, 2018

The 2018 COSAFA Under-17 Championships get underway on Thursday as Mauritius plays host to the vital junior competition for the third year in a row. This year’s regional tournament has added significance as it serves as a qualifier for the 2019 African Under-17 Championships, which in turn will supply the continent’s four representatives at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Peru next year. So the COSAFA event, which runs from July 19-29, will be the beginning of the road to the global showpiece for the 12 competing teams from the region, who all have set their sights on winning a place on the big stage.

The competition will be played at two venues in Mauritius, the St. François Xavier Stadium in Port Louis and Stade Anjalay in Belle Vue. There will be three matches on an opening day on Thursday, all in Port Louis, starting with a Group A clash between 2016 winners Namibia and Seychelles at 10h00 (06h00 GMT). Namibia returns after missing last year’s competition having surprised many to take the title two years’ ago, and will be fierce competitors once more under coach Paul Malembu.

The current holders Zambia will open their 2018 campaign with a tricky Group B tie against Mozambique, who narrowly missed out on the semi-finals last year on goal difference. The match will kick-off at 12h30 (08h30 GMT). Zambia is arguably the pre-tournament favourites, have always provided a competitive edge at all age-group levels in the COSAF region. But the Young Mambas will know they have it in them to spring a surprise and beat Zambia last year in the pool stages.

Hosts Mauritius, who were beaten finalists last year, begin their bid for the title with a Group A clash against Botswana in the final game of the day at 15h30 (11h30 GMT). It will be crucial for both sides to get off to a winning start if they are to make a bid for the knockout rounds. Only the top side in each group, as well as the best-placed runner-up, advance to the semi-finals.

Group B also contains South Africa and Lesotho, while Group C is made up of Zimbabwe, Angola, Malawi and Swaziland.

soource: cosafa.com

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𝐂𝐀𝐅 𝐂 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐖𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐈𝐧 𝐋𝐞𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐢

CAF C coaching course for coaches in women’s football officially began today, marking the first day of a week-long training program that will run until April 14, 2025, at the Lekidi Football Centre.

Aimed at enhancing the skills of coaches in women’s football, the course has attracted 30 participants from various regions across the country, including areas such as Nhabe, Tsabong, Hukuntsi, Central, and the FRAFA regions. Notably, two of the participants come from the national team: current Mares midfielder Golebaone Selebatso and former Mares defender Lebogang Setereke.

The course, designed to provide in-depth coaching knowledge and technical expertise, is led by experienced instructor Sepheko Motlhagodi. The course is being coordinated by the BFA Women’s Football Development and Grassroots Instructor Ms. Barobi Nwako, ensuring that participants receive top-notch training throughout the program.

The CAF C coaching course aims to empower and upskill local coaches to help elevate women’s football in Botswana, with a special focus on developing the next generation of talent in the sport. By the end of the course, attendees are expected to have gained the essential tools and insights to further their coaching careers and contribute to the growth of women’s football in Botswana.

As the days progress, the participants will be engaging in various sessions, blending theory and practical work, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience that will benefit both the individuals involved and the football community at large.

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