16 May 2023

Senior women national football team coach, Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang, says the signing of Refilwe ‘Seven’ Tholakele by South African giants, Mamelodi Sundowns, will serve as motivation for other players.

Tholakele was unveiled Sunday noon and she marked her arrival by netting a third goal on the 90th minute during their encounter with University of Western Cape on the same day.
Nkutlwisang said the move was a welcome development for the player after her short stint with Malabo Kings of Equatorial Guinea in 2022.

The player and Kesegofetse ‘Odinga’ Mochawe both returned home after being side-lined due to the impasse between them and their former employer.

The coach said said Seven was an experienced and skilled player, so it was not a shock that she scored a goal on her debut.

“But generally, I am happy that she is now plying her trade in one of the biggest and competitive clubs in Africa,” she said.

Nkutlwisang said Tholakele stay there would come in handy for the national team, given that she would be training in excellent facilities, adding that the SA league was competitive.

Yarona FM sports anchor, Kagiso ‘Fox’ Phatsimo said Tholakele had natural talent and she  required less guidance on field. He said the player was a robust and versatile player who was also capable to play all the positions.

Phatsimo said he was happy that Tholakele had signed a deal with a professional side, adding that her move would inspire any Motswana girl child.

“From a dusty Gaborone West street to Sundowns, a team that takes part and wins championships is a great motivator to a girl child. Refilwe is going to rub shoulders with players who have won CAF titles,” he said.

Tholakele was instrumental during the WAFCON 2022 held in Morocco where the Mares ended in quarter finals.

She played against Cameroon, Morocco, South Africa, and Nigeria and scored two goals against Burundi. ENDS