The team is without some of the big names as head coach, Gaolethoo 'Ronaldo' Nkutlwisang looks to the future. The Mares have left out Mamelodi Sundowns' goalkeeper, Sedilame Bosija who was involved for her side during a league encounter on Wednesday.
Forward, Refilwe Tholakele has also missed the trip. The 26-year-old was key in the team's WAFCON campaign scoring two goals. She has been given some time off to settle at her new club, Malabo Kings of Equatorial Guinea.
Full-back, Kesegofetse Mochawe, also a new Malabo Kings signee was left out of the squad. Long-serving captain, Bonang 'Bebeto' Otlhagile and her defensive partner, Masego Montsho have also missed the trip to South Africa. Zambian-based Mokgabo Thanda of Yasa, alongside the US-based duo of Thuto Ramafifi and Esalenna Galekhutle, will also sit the championships out as the team's coach, Nkutlwisang is trying new blood.
Nkutlwisang has kept Mexican Girls' Keitumetse Dithebe, Gaborone United's new signee, Lone Gaofetoge, and Township Rollers' Annah Sechane from the WAFCON squad.
She has included former Under-20 captain, Lorato Motlogelwa and Prisons' Pearl Sikwane while forward Peggy Manewe has also travelled with the team. The Mares are in South Africa following a successful debut at the WAFCON after reaching the quarter-finals. The Mares narrowly missed out on booking one of the World Cup's inter-continental playoffs spots.
The team is seen as one of the 'dark horses' in this year's edition of the COSAFA Championships. Ronaldo's girls have grown with every passing edition, with the team reaching the semi-finals in 2019, followed by an appearance in the final in 2020. In the last edition, in 2021, the Mares were once again in the semi-finals.
The Mares reached the knockout stages on three occasions, a record for the team. The team will get its first test this afternoon when it faces Malawi in a 3pm kick-off.
