Our players continue to work hard – Botswana coach
Botswana women’s coach beefs up squad
JOHANNESBURG, April 9 (ANA) – Botswana coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang on Thursday beefed up her squad to face South Africa in an international women’s friendly in Johannesburg on April 13.
The experienced trio of Bonang Othagile, Nondi Matlhasela and Masego Montsho have been added to the Botswana squad – a matter of days before the clash.
The three players were initially left out of ‘The Mares’ camp to allow coach Nkutlwisang to observe other players, mainly Under-20 players.
The coach is confident about the mix of youth and experience in the squad.
“The camp has been going very well and I’m happy. Our players continue to work hard to achieve the much-needed fitness levels and balance that with all the technical tactics emanating from the coaches’ department,” said Nkutlwisang.
“Our national team is in a transition period and that’s why we have amalgamated the youthful players and the experienced force, respectively. We plan to achieve this before enduring the Awcon qualifiers.
“Generally, the technical team is happy with the progress of the young players, they are full of energy and have the zeal to represent the country and uphold our national pride. Let’s rally behind them.”
Othagile and Montsho reported to camp on Monday while Mathasela joined the team on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the team is expected to leave for South Africa on Sunday and is expected back home on April 15.
Morocco will host Awcon, with the dates still to be confirmed. The tournament will also form as the African qualifiers for the women’s World Cup with the top four teams receiving tickets to the quadrennial showpiece. – African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Michael Sherman