Refilwe Tholakele (Botswana): “I Want to Make My Country Proud”

• Revealed during the 2022 CAF TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations thanks to a stunning brace against Burundi.
• Top scorer of the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League with five goals, the Botswanan striker is determined to make her mark
• Just weeks before a new continental campaign, the star of the Mares shares her ambitions, her personal growth, and her deep desire to inspire a new generation of female footballers.

She doesn’t need to raise her voice to be heard. Her statistics speak for themselves: top scorer in the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League with five goals, decisive with a brace against Burundi (4-2) in the last TotalEnergies CAF Women’s AFCON — Refilwe Tholakele has become a powerful figure in African women’s football. At 29, the Botswanan forward, now shining at Mamelodi Sundowns, has gone from breakout star to established leader.

Just days before another continental challenge with the Mares — placed in a tough group with Nigeria, Algeria, and Tunisia — Tholakele exudes calm confidence. 

In this heartfelt interview with CAFOnline.com, she looks back at her personal evolution, her deep bond with the national jersey, and her strong desire to inspire. 

CAFOnline.com: Botswana is in Group B with Nigeria, Algeria, and Tunisia. What’s your take on this group?

Refilwe Tholakele: It’s clearly a very tough group. We’re talking about countries with experience, players competing in top leagues, and real traditions in women’s football. But for us, it’s an opportunity. These kinds of matchups help a team grow. We respect our opponents, of course, but we’re not afraid. Since our last participation, we’ve progressed in every area — mentally, physically, and as a team. This Women’s AFCON is our chance to show what we’re really worth.

What are you focusing on in your personal preparation?
I’m working hard on several aspects of my game. Physically, I want to be able to repeat high-intensity efforts and maintain that intensity for 90 minutes or more. I’ve also focused a lot on my decision-making in the final third — whether it’s finishing chances or creating them for teammates. And then there’s the mental aspect: staying composed when the game heats up, managing emotional highs and lows. I also do a lot of visualization. I picture myself in different match situations and prepare to respond calmly and precisely. It’s those small details that make the difference at this level.

What does the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s AFCON mean to you?
It’s much more than just a competition. It’s a childhood dream come true — but also a mission. Wearing the Botswana jersey at WAFCON means representing an entire nation, making our voice heard across the continent. It’s a stage that highlights the journeys, sacrifices, and ambitions of African women footballers. For me, it’s also a moment of family pride: I think of my parents, of those who supported me through tough times, of my community. Playing at AFCON is a way to honour their trust, patience, and love.

What do you take from your first WAFCON experience in 2022?
It was a shock — but a constructive one. We faced players with great composure, real football intelligence, and impressive physical power. I realized how much work I still had to do. But it wasn’t discouraging — quite the opposite. It was like an accelerated course. I learned to read the game faster, to handle media pressure better, and to stay calm in big matches. That first WAFCON gave me a roadmap for improvement. It also made me hungrier. I came out of it with one thought: come back and do better.

What has changed in your approach since the last tournament?

I’m more complete now, I think. I’ve understood that football isn’t just played with your legs. These days, I prepare for matches with my head as well. I spend time analysing opponents, identifying their weaknesses, anticipating different match scenarios. I’m no longer just a finisher — I want to be a player who influences the game, helps in recovering the ball, talks, and guides others. I also aim to be a mentor for the younger players. AFCON is a short, intense tournament, and every detail matters. We can’t afford to be spectators in our own matches anymore.

How can Botswana surprise the continent in this competition?

Our greatest strength is our cohesion. This group is close-knit, works hard, and deeply believes in its potential. We have nothing to lose — and that changes everything. There’s a real desire to prove we’re not just here to participate. We’ve established a strong work ethic, an ambitious game plan, and a competitive mindset. If we stay focused, united, and don’t let the pressure crush us, I think we can cause upsets. We know our limitations, but we also know our strengths. And sometimes, the element of surprise can be decisive.

What drives you to keep improving every day?

It’s a combination of several things. First, my family — I want to make them proud. My country, too — I know young girls are watching me and thinking it’s possible. That responsibility pushes me to lead by example. And then, my own dreams. I still have many goals, both at club level and with the national team. I want to push my limits, to prove that even coming from a country where women’s football is still developing, we can aim for excellence. Every training session, every match is a chance to improve. I don’t want to waste that.

What does the national team jersey mean to you?

It’s an emotion that’s hard to describe. Every time I wear it, I feel a mix of pride, gratitude, and responsibility. It’s not just a jersey — it’s the symbol of a whole people, of all the battles fought to give women’s football its rightful place. I think of the dusty fields of my childhood, the sacrifices made to play, the sceptical looks we had to overcome. Wearing this jersey is a tribute to all of that. And it’s also a promise: to fight until the last second to defend our colours.

Off the field, what has football given you?

Football has given me structure and a framework. It taught me to manage my time, to bounce back after setbacks, and to believe in myself. It has also allowed me to travel, to discover other cultures, and to connect with inspiring players. Without football, I might not be the person I am today. It has given me opportunities I never imagined. And most importantly, it taught me that anything is possible when you work with passion and consistency.

What would you like people to remember about you after this WAFCON?

That I gave everything, from the first to the last match. I’d like to be remembered as a committed, generous player who always gave her all for the national jersey. I want to be seen as a fighter, but also as a woman who inspired, motivated, and gave others the desire to dream. If one girl, somewhere in Botswana or elsewhere, decides to follow her passion after watching me play — then I’ve achieved something meaningful. Football is a team sport, but it can also change individual lives. I hope to be living proof of that.