Women’s AFCON 2024: Team Profile – Botswana
How the Team Qualified
Botswana secured their place at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2024 following a solid qualifying campaign. After progressing past the first round, the Mares faced Kenya in a high-stakes regional encounter in the second and final qualifying round. The first leg, played in Kenya, ended in a 1–1 draw. In the return leg, Basimanebotlhe Malete’s side clinched a crucial 1–0 victory to book their spot at the finals.
Tournament History
Botswana made their TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2022, reaching the quarterfinals where they narrowly lost 2–1 to hosts Morocco. That year also marked their first-ever win at the tournament through a 4–2 victory over Burundi.
Players to Watch
Refilwe Tholakele
A powerful and intelligent forward, Tholakele has proven to be deadly in front of goal for the Mares. A product of Botswana’s Double Action club, she took a major step in her career by joining South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. Her impact was immediate: she finished as top scorer at the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League with five goals and was one of the standout revelations of the tournament. Quick, well positioned, and strong in one-on-one situations, Tholakele is also known for her relentless pressing and ability to hold up play.
Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija
A goalkeeper known for her reassuring presence, excellent reading of the game and impressive reflexes on her line. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija has good footwork and knows how to distribute the ball efficiently and quickly, making her an asset in offensive transitions. Her ability to communicate effectively with her defence strengthens the solidity of her defensive unit. Despite a serious knee injury, she has shown great resilience and exemplary determination. A natural leader, she embodies professionalism and remains a role model for the new generation of Botswana’s goalkeepers.
Head Coach
Basimanebotlhe Alex Malete has been at the helm of the Botswana women’s team since 2023.
He brings a modern tactical approach, with a strong emphasis on defensive organisation and detailed performance analysis. Holding a CAF B coaching licence and an advanced certification in tactical analysis, Malete integrates post-match review sessions into the team’s routine, breaking down entire matches to identify key moments and improve collective decision-making.
Aims and Group Analysis
Botswana will be looking to better their 2022 quarter-final run. Their 2024 group is a challenging one, featuring Nigeria, Tunisia, and Algeria. However, they’re banking on their defensive discipline and the sharpness of their front three to potentially cause an upset. As underdogs, the Mares may benefit from being under the radar provided they maintain a consistently high level of focus and intensity throughout the group stage.