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Women’s national team coach names provisional squad for COSAFA

Aug 6, 2018

The Botswana women’s national team coach Gaoletlhoo ‘Ronaldoh’ Nkutlusang has named her provisional squad of 27 players for the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship to be held in South Africa in September. The squad is a relatively youthful one that features two Under-17 players, while 12 of the players are Under-23.

The coach has revealed that she wants to win this year’s tournament as she seeks a first gold medal since being appointed the head coach for the senior team. The teenagers in her squad were spotted at the recently ended Copa Coca-Cola football schools’ national championship and are Lone Gaofete and Esalenna Galekhutle.

They featured in Under-17 World Cup qualifiers last year, where they beat Zambia but were knocked out by South Africa. The oldest player is the skipper Bonang ‘Bebeto’ Otlhagile, who is 32. Gaoletlhoo will trim the squad to 20 players for the final list for the competition after her training camps. It will be very hard as the players have shown great promise, but she will also consider selecting experience and young blood.

Botswana provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Lesego Gloria Moeng, Refilwe Tshambane, Sedilame Bosija, Tlamelo Pheresi

Defenders: Patricia Motingwa, Godiramang Gonae, Bonang Otlhagile, Masego Montsho, Nancy Baeletsi, Lone Gaofete, Gorata Mogakolodi, Kesegofetse Mochawe, Veronica Mogotsi, Kgomotso Molefe, Keitumetse Kemolebale

Midfielders: Golebaone Selebatso, Nondi Matlhasela, Lebogang Setereke, Lesego Radikakanyo, Bonang Kelefitlhetse, Lesego Keleboge, Balotlhanyi Johannes

Strikers: Refilwe Tlholakele, Esalenna Galekhutle, Thuto Ramafifi, Masego Nfandiso, Mokgabo Thando

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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.