Botswana women’s football national team skipper Bonang ‘Bebeto’ Otlhagile will hang up her boots after this year’s COSAFA women’s senior challenge.

In an exclusive interview with COSAFA.com, the 32-year-old said she had played her part on the pitch. She revealed that it was only proper to retire whilst at the peak.

“It is time to give younger players an opportunity to play in the national team,” Otlhagile said.

She added she won’t be lost to women’s football though and will be available anytime in any capacity to help the National team.

“I have been playing for over a decade in the national team and also as the skipper. I’m very satisfied having made sacrifices, good efforts, mistakes and wise choices, and I want to thank Batswana who have been supportive,” Otlhagile explained.

“I will do my best at this year’s COSAFA and hope to retire on a high note by winning it.”

Otlhagile is currently a Double Action player, Football Union of Botswana (FUB) Women’s Football chairperson and member of the coaches commission.

She has done several coaching courses from Preliminary, FIFA grassroots, FIFA Fitness training and CAF C License, and wants to do her CAF B.

“My dream is to be the coach and I think I am on the right track. I also want to encourage young females to play football as it is the next big thing.”

She won two Player of the Match awards in last year’s COSAFA that was held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

By Gaone Pearl Kerileng