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.