Botswana Ready to Battle Starlets in WAFCON Qualifier

In preparation for Wednesday’s pivotal Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, Botswana’s national team trained at the Nyayo National Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Nyayo National Stadium will host the first leg of the final qualification round, with the aggregate winner earning a spot in the WAFCON tournament in Morocco next year.

Head coach Alex Malete expressed readiness for the upcoming match, acknowledging the distinct challenges posed by Kenya compared to their second-round opponent, Gabon. “Games are different. Gabon is not Kenya, and also Botswana is not Cameroon. Even for the Kenyan technical team, they will approach the game differently. That is the same for us; we will adapt to what the game demands,” said Coach Malete.

Team captain Sadilame Bosija echoed the team’s determination to secure a WAFCON ticket. “It would mean a lot for us if we got a chance to play at the WAFCON.

It gives us an opportunity to showcase our talents. We are prepared well and ready for the match against Kenya,” added Bosija.

Botswana advanced to the final qualification round by defeating Gabon in the second round. Like Kenya, they aim for a second-ever qualification to the continental tournament.

The team, featuring top scorer Thefilwe Tholakele from the recently concluded CAF Women’s Champions League, promises to be formidable. Tholakele scored five goals for Mamelodi Sundowns as they clinched the title in Ivory Coast.