CAF WCL top scorer Tholakele leads Botswana's star-studded squad against Harambee Starlets

The newly appointed Botswana Senior Women’s national team “The Mares” head coach Basimanebotlhe Alex Malete has named his squad for the upcoming two-legged qualification final round against Harambee Starlets for the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers set for 29th November and 5th December.

The Mares smashed Gabon 4-1 away from home on the first leg on the 22nd of September 2023 at Stade De Franceville (Franceville – Gabon). Botswana left no chance for the Gabonese on the return leg, after dismantling them again 6-0 at Lobatse Sports Complex to secure a spot in the third round of the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Alex Malete-coached side will play the Kenyan opponents on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at home before facing them in a return leg away in Botswana on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

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Highlighting the Mares squad is the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League top scorer Refilwe Tholakele and custodian Sedilame Bosija both of the Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team, both fresh from CAF Women’s Champions League glory with Sundowns.

Apart from the squad, the Botswana Football Federation have announced a new technical bench for the women’s side with Odirile Mathaku joining as the technical advisor, Malete as the head coach, and the duo of Tapaphiwa Tracy Gaebolae and Jacqueline Lorato Gaobinelwe linking up as the assistant coaches.

Botswana Squad for Harambee Starlets clashes

Goalkeepers

Sedilame Bosija (Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies), Lesego Moeng (Security Systems), Bame Mokime (Double Action), Tlamelo Pheresi (Gaborone United)

Defenders

Nancy Baeletsi (Gaborone United), Masego Montsho (Security Systems), Veronica Mogotsi (Double Action), Kesegofetse Mochawe (Gaborone United), Oteng Bonang (Double Action) Boitshepo Lombala (Mexican Girls), Desiree Kenyaditswe (Double Action), Neo Repito (Makufa)

Midfielders

Tshegofatso Mosotho (Mazzottie), Golebaone Selebatso (Gaborone United), Precious Tlhapi (Makufa), Anna Sechane (Gaborone United) Laone Moloi (Security Systems), Lone Gaofetoge (Gaborone United), Segakolodi Didukanyane, (Double Action) Lone Kgalaeng, (FCAmbassadors), Retlhabile Segobye (Mexican Girls)

Strikers

Michelle Abueng (Bdf Xi), Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse (Double Action), Leungo Senwelo (Double Action), Jessica Maponga, (Gaborone United), Nondi Mahlasela (Prisons Xi), Keitumetse Dithebe (Gaborone United), Lesego Radiakanyo (Double Action), Refilwe Tholakele (M/Sundowns (Rsa)), Mokgabo Thanda (Yasa, Zambia) and Esalenna Galekhutle (USA)

CAF Champions League action resumes on Friday