The team left for Morocco yesterday (Sunday) but on Friday The Botswana Football Association (BFA) and the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) held a send-off ceremony for the team at Lekidi Football Centre.
Speaking at the event, Rakgare said there is no pressure at all from the government and implored the players to play to attract international scouts at the tournaments. “Just go have fun; we will not put you under pressure.
The only person who can put pressure on you, is your coach because she would want results, other than that no one should put you under pressure. When you are in Morocco, there will be international scouts to watch you play.
Personally I would be happy if two or three of you would be signed by teams abroad. We will be with you, we will be supporting so go and enjoy,” Rakgare said. Prior to the send off ceremony, the Mares’ head coach, Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang named the final 24-member squad. She has only four players based abroad in her squad in goalkeeper, Sedilame Boseja who is in the books of Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa, Zambia-based Mokgabo Thanda and the duo of Thuto Ramafifi and Esalenna Galekhutle who are both playing college football in the USA.
BFA general manager, Monnakgotla Mojaki said the team’s final preparations have been disrupted due to a strike in Tunisia. The Mares were to make a pit stop at the northern African state before heading to Morocco. “Initially the team was to leave on June 18 and play two friendly games before they head to Morocco on July 1, which is the official teams arrival date.
So this week, the biggest labour party in Tunisia announced a strike and we cannot take the team to Tunisia. With the biggest labour union on strike in Tunisia, we are not sure when the strike will end. We will not risk going to Tunisia because we do not know how long the strike will take,” he said. The Mares left for Morocco yesterday (Sunday) and set up a base in Marrakech. The team will leave for Rabat on June 28 where they will be base for the rest of the competition.
The Team List:
Goalkeepers: Sedilame Boseja (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Gloria Moeng, Marylin John (both BDF XI)
Defenders: Goitsemang Tlamma, Masego Montsho, (both BDF), Bonang Otlhagile, Veronica Mogotsi, Laone Moloi (all Double Action), Kesegofetse Mochawe, Nancy Baeletsi (both Prisons), Lone Gaofetoge
Midfielders: Atang Busang, Selebatso Golebaone (both Prisons), Mokgabo Thanda (Yasa FC, Zambia), Annah Sechane (Township Rollers)
Forwards: Lesego Radiakanyo, Balotlhanyi Johannes, Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe (all Double Action), Keitumetse Dithebe (Mexican Girls), Refilwe Tholakele (Township Rollers), Michelle Abueng (BDF), Nondi Mahlasela (Prisons), Esalenna Galekhutle (Tyler Junior College, USA), Thuto Ramafifi (Albany State University, USA)
The Technical Team
Head Coach: Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang Assistant Coach: Alex Malete Goalkeeper Coach: Joseph Maposa Video Analyst: Kenneth Dambe Physiotherapist: Unoda Chepete Team Doctor: Merero Ntshese Physical Trainer: Tshepho Goitsemang Welfare Manager: Mmapula Olebile Equipment Manager: Magdeline Joubert Security Manager: Ikgopoleng Jonas-Msomi General Manager: Monnakgotla Mojaki
