24 Jan 2022

Zimbabwe stands between Botswana and qualifying for the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).

A do or die encounter will have the first leg played in Harare on February 18 and Francistown on February 23.

Aware of the importance of winning the upcoming clash, senior national women football team coach called 32 players into camp.

The team alias The Mares will be bolstered by the return of number one goalkeeper, Sedilame ‘Tsontso’ Bosija, who has been nursing an injury as well as USA-based Thuto Ramafifi and Esalenna Galekhutlhe.

Coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang said in an interview that all the 32 players were cognisant of the hurdle ahead and should be equal to the task.

She said some of them played during the Matlolapata festive tournament to keep fit.

Nkutlwisang stated that they had given all the players a programme to follow during the festive season.

She said the players outdid themselves during their last qualifying game against Angola, winning with an aggregate score line of 7-1.

“Zimbabwe is a strong side, hence our preparations should also be up to standard,” she said, adding that they needed to play friendly games to try some combinations and gauge their readiness.

Nkutlwisang said the friendlies would also help them to try some new players, given that they had numerous yellow cards during the Angola game, something which might disadvantage them.

The team:
Goalkeepers: Bame Mokime, Tlamelo Pheresi (Double Action), Sedilame Bosija (Mamelodi Sundowns); Refiloe Tshambami (Prisons), Gloria Moeng, Merilyn George (BDF)
Defenders: Bonang Otlhagile, Veronicah Mogotsi, Kesegofetse Mochawe, Lorato Motlogelwa (Double Action), Letty Segobye (Mexican Girls), Masego Montsho (BDF), Pearl Sikwane (Umlilo), Tshegofatsho Mosotho( Genorah) Annah Sechane (Township Rollers).

Midfielders: Goitsemang Tlamma (BDF), Golebaone Selebatso,(Prisons), Mokgabo Thanda (Yasa), Lesego Radiakanyo, Balothanyi Johannes, Laone Moloi (Double Action), Segakolodi Dudukanyane (Mexican Girls)

Strikers: Theo George (Wonder Girls), Nondi Mahlasela, (Prisons), Esalenna Galekutlhe, Thuto Ramafifi (USA), Leungo Senwelo, Ontlametse Gaonyadiwe (Double Action), Refilwe Tholakele, (Township Rollers). ENDS