Botswana have sights set on COSAFA Under-17 Girls’ Championship

Botswana is aiming to secure its first COSAFA Under-17 Girls’ Championship title this year when the tournament is played in Windhoek, Namibia from May 10-17.

Historically, Botswana has done well, finishing in fourth place in 2019 and 2022 respectively, and as runners-up in 2021 after being defeated 4-0 in the final by Zambia. They will begin this year’s competition in Group C with Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

In her third year working with the nation’s Under-17 girls’ side, assistant coach Bonang Bebeto Mosethe is happy with what she has seen from her squad in the lead-up to the tournament.

“We’ve completed talent identification and have been holding regular training camps. The players have shown great commitment. We’re currently fine-tuning tactical play and focusing on fitness and mental readiness. We’re also finalising friendly matches,” said Mosethe.

She believes that the player in this year’s squad with prior experience will be vital to their championship aspirations, while the newcomers have adapted well to the demands of playing at a higher level.

“We’ve retained four players from last year’s squad who were always in the first 11 and four who were always called for the training camps,” Mosethe said. “They bring much-needed leadership and experience. For many others, this will be their first international tournament, but they’ve shown great potential and have adapted quickly to the demands of high-level competition.”

Focused on long-term development, Mosethe believes that forward Amogelang Sebotho, centre back Rose Modumo, and left-back Hope Lesotlo, can not only shine in the upcoming tournament, but could become key players for the senior national side in the years to come.

While winning is the primary objective, Mosethe hopes her players get more than a gold medal out of the tournament.

“Beyond results, we want the players to gain valuable international experience, build confidence, and showcase their talent on a bigger stage. It’s also about continuing to grow the women’s game in Botswana by inspiring young girls to dream big.”

BOTSWANA
Tournament finishes:
2019 – Fourth
2020 – Did not enter
2021 – Runners-Up
2022 – Fourth
2023 – Not played
2024 – Group Stages

All-time match record:
P15 W6 D0 L9 GF41 GA50

Biggest victory: 14-1 vs Seychelles (Group Stage, 25/09/2019)
Biggest defeat: 0-12 vs Uganda (Semifinals, 27/09/2019)

ALL-TIME GOALSCORERS
6 goals – Bofelo Rantsho, Pearl Sikwane
3 – Lotang Ebineng, Keotshepile Kesetse
2 – Katlo Ditsile, Hope Lesotlo, Yaone Modise, Serati Modisenyane, Christinah Monyatsi, Lorato Motlogelwa
1 – Lebogang Dilelo, Tlhompho Gabana, Kefilwe Hangara, Mbapeua Hangara, Kaone Mbongwe, Palesa Mokopakgosi, Amogelang Sebotho, Tumelo Tiro, Shirley Tokonyane
Own goals – Hazel Kanyuru, Parissa Merven (Mauritius)