The Mares have representation in three teams at the ongoing CAF Women's Champions League COSAFA qualifiers. The competition kicked off yesterday morning at the Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, Malawi, and will run until August 24. A total of eight teams are battling for a single spot in the Champions League finals to be played later this year. National champions, Gaborone United (GU) alongside three Mares' players based abroad are in contention. Former Double Action's full-back, Boitumelo 'Navara' Gammu was in the starting line-up on her debut yesterday as her new side FC Ongos faced Zimbabwe's Herentals Queens in the qualifiers' opener.
The Namibian champions secured the services of Gammu late last week and the left-back made the starting 11, donning the number two jersey. She was signed alongside goalkeeper, Lesego Moeng, who was with the local side, Security Systems. Moeng is, however still waiting for her FC Ongos debut as she started on the bench yesterday. FC Ongos are in Group A alongside Herentals Queens, the University of Western Cape (UWC) of South Africa and Zambian champions, Green Buffaloes. Last month, Buffaloes signed midfielder-cum-defender, Mokgabo Thanda, on a year-long contract. Thanda made a dream debut as she scored a goal in the 2024 Carling Black Label Samuel 'Zoom' Ndhlovu Charity Shield. Green Buffaloes won the tie 10-0 over Choma Warriors as the team had a good warm-up before the qualifiers. Green Buffaloes played their qualifiers opener against UWC at 3pm yesterday.
The nation will, however, be rallying behind GU as they made their debut in the tournament at midday. The Red Roses are proving to be a serious contender with at least eight Mares' players in their squad. The team will today face Mozambique's UD Lichinga while fellow Group B rivals, Malawi's Ascent Academy and Young Buffaloes of Eswatini clash at 3pm. Last week, GU played African champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, in two friendly games and lost 1-0 before a 0-0 draw. GU will play Young Buffaloes on Saturday afternoon and Ascent Academy on Tuesday.
