The Botswana Under-17 girls national football team is set to depart tomorrow for Windhoek, Namibia, where they will compete in the 2025 COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championships. The regional tournament, featuring nine teams from Southern Africa, will be held at the Hage Geingob Stadium from May 10 to 17, drawing attention to rising talent across the continent.
With a renewed sense of purpose and fierce determination, Botswana’s squad is aiming to make a mark after falling short in last year’s edition, where they were eliminated in the group stage. This year, they’ve been placed in Group C alongside regional rivals Zimbabwe and Lesotho—a challenging yet navigable group for the determined young team.
Under the Leadership of Bonang ‘Bebeto’ Mosetlha
The team is being guided by none other than former Mares star Bonang ‘Bebeto’ Mosetlha, whose experience as a national team player brings both inspiration and tactical discipline to the camp. Mosetlha has been instrumental in preparing the young athletes at the Lekidi Football Centre, instilling a spirit of resilience and teamwork.
“We know what it means to wear the badge, and we are preparing these girls to fight for every ball, every goal, and every opportunity,” said Mosetlha during a recent media session. Her leadership has been widely praised for striking the right balance between mentorship and high-performance coaching.
Intensive Preparations at Lekidi Football Centre
For the past few weeks, the team has undergone rigorous training sessions at the Lekidi Football Centre, focusing on technical development, physical conditioning, and tactical awareness. The coaching staff has placed particular emphasis on defensive organization and finishing—two areas identified as needing improvement from last year’s campaign.
Fitness levels are high, and team morale is even higher. With a strong sense of unity and purpose, the players are motivated to write a new chapter in Botswana’s women’s football story.
Group C Showdowns: A Test of Regional Rivalries
In Group C, Botswana faces familiar opponents in Zimbabwe and Lesotho. Zimbabwe, known for their quick attacking play, presents a significant challenge, while Lesotho has shown growing potential in recent youth competitions. The top teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage, making every match a must-win.
The opening matches will be closely watched as indicators of the team’s progress and maturity. With just two group-stage games, the margin for error is slim, but Botswana’s team is eager to seize the moment.
A Platform for Growth and Opportunity
The COSAFA Under-17 Girls Championships are more than just a competition—they are a launching pad for future stars. The tournament offers valuable exposure, international experience, and the chance to impress scouts and national team selectors.
For Botswana, this is an opportunity not only to compete but to showcase the progress of its youth development programs. With strong national support and growing investment in women’s football, expectations are high.
Eyes on the Knockout Stages
The goal is clear: advance to the knockout rounds and contend for a place in the finals. While the path will be challenging, the team’s preparation, leadership, and unity offer a strong foundation for success.
As the young Zebras head to Windhoek, they carry with them the hopes of a nation and the dream of lifting the COSAFA trophy. One thing is certain—Botswana will be ready to compete.
