Botswana’s only female professional player based in Bloemfontein, South Africa, Sedilame Bosija says women’s football is growing.

Bosija is plying her trade at Bloemfontein Celtic Ladies as goalkeeper and is currently their first choice.

Bosija who will be part of the coming Botswana COSAFA squad said in an exclusive interview that there is huge value and exposure for women’s football in the COSAFA region.

She also said that she is delighted that Kwese TV last year sponsored the COSAFA Women’s Championship with R1-million. The sponsorship will elevate the status of the event to that of the senior men’s competition according to the goalkeeper.

“Women’s football has really grown in the recent years and more participation at all age group level says it all. If I am to take you back, the Botswana skipper was spotted during COSAFA before being recruited by Inline Academy in Zimbabwe. I was also spotted by Celtic in the COSAFA competition,” Bosija says.

“COSAFA helps us gain experience, confront new challenges and ideas. As a youngster I gained a lot in the competition and quickly developed. This is why I challenge my country ladies to do the same,” Bosija said.

“Last year we were knocked oout in the group stages. This time we are hoping to win it.”

Bosija is motivated by being the 2017 SASOL League National Championship goalkeeper of the tournament. She also said she hopes to get a contract with a European side after this year’s COSAFA.

By Gaone Pearl Kerileng