BFA to appoint Mares coach in January

Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday December 9, 2023 06:00

Since the departure of Gaolethoo 'Ronaldo' Nkutlwisang in September, who led the Mares at the WAFCON 2022, the side has been without a permanent head coach due to Nkutlwisang's lack of required coaching qualifications. Mohambi Saulos served as an interim coach, overseeing the team in the WAFCON 2024 qualifiers, the COSAFA Women's Championship, and the initial round of the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers. Despite an impressive 10-1 win over Gabon in the WAFCON qualifiers, Saulos' tenure was cut short.

The team did not progress in the Olympic qualifiers, and they fell short in the COSAFA Championship. Former UB Kicks and Double Action's coach Alex Malete took charge of a two-game assignment against Kenya to secure a spot in the WAFCON 2024 finals. Malete guided the team to a 1-1 draw away to Kenya and sealed the deal with a 1-0 win in Gaborone, securing a second consecutive WAFCON finals berth with a 2-1 aggregate victory.

The BFA president Maclean Letshwiti stated in a recent press conference that the association is in the process of evaluating women's football coaches, with a decision expected in January. Letshwiti mentioned that Didier Gomes Da Rosa, coach of the Zebras and director of national teams, will provide recommendations for the new Mares coach and other national teams.

'What we have done in terms of the Mares is we have employed a director of national teams. So, he will look at all the coaches in Botswana and grade them. He will tell us who is the right fit for the Mares. So that process is in place. We must understand that he is still new. So, he has to study the people. He will come up with national team coaches not only for the Mares but also for all our national teams,' Letshwiti said. The new Mares' coach will have five months to prepare the team, as the tournament is scheduled to be played between May and July.

Malete, following his recent successes, has emerged as a strong contender for the position. Malete, who served as an assistant coach in the WAFCON 2022 finals working closely with (Nkutlwisang), expressed his focus on completing the task assigned to him. 'If it comes, it comes. If it doesn't, then no problem,' he remarked.

'I have done what I was asked, so I am not even worried about the opportunities. When you work hard and do well, they will come. So, I am not even worried, even if they (BFA) change [their mind], then no problem. I was only serving as asked,' Malete said. Malete made history as the fourth coach to lead a Botswana team to the finals of a continental tournament, joining the ranks of Stan Tshoswane (AFCON 2012), Kaizer Kobedi (AFCON Under-17, 2013), and Nkutlwisang as the only woman on the list. Malete also achieved the distinction of being the youngest coach to attain this feat.