THE MARES OF BOTSWANA AND WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW AHEAD OF COMPETITIONS

Teams Profile: Botswana

Nickname: The Mares

FIFA RANKING: 154

HOW THEY QUALIFIED:                                                                                                                                        The Mares brushed aside COSAFA rivals Angola 7-1 on aggregate in the first round before clinching their maiden qualification on away goals rule after a 3-3 aggregate score against Zimbabwe.

PREPARATIONS:                                                                                                                                           Botswana have began preparation domestically for the WAFCON finals, having held their one of their series of camps from April 2 to 14. The 2020 COSAFA finalists are relying mostly on domestic players, especially from Double Action to excel at the continent showpiece.

COACH: Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang                                                                                                                        The former Double Action captain has long been supervising the remodeling of the Mares as coach and validated her credentials with the team’s historic qualification to the WAFCON finals, where she will hope to make another mark.

KEY PLAYERS:

Lesego Radiakanyo                                                                                                                                               The Double Action midfielder played a crucial role in the team’s qualification campaign, scoring four goals in four matches. The 22-year-old is clearly one to keep an eye out for when the Mares take to the continent in July.

Thuto Ramafifi                                                                                                                                                      The 30-year-old, fondly called Queen of Goals, scored the winner at home when the Mares pipped Angola 2-0. The former Double Action and New Endeavours striker, who is on a scholarship in the US, will be poised to bring her exposure and experience to bear at the WAFCON finals.

Kefilwe Tholakele                                                                                                                                                  The Mares captain has consistently provided a good leadership in almost a decade and being a huge bargain in the attack. The 26-year-old, also made her mark during the qualifiers, scoring three goals in four matches and her presence will be a valuable asset for Botswana in Morocco.