Botswana coach Gaoletlhoo Nkutlusang says she is not bringing her side to the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championships “just to add numbers” and believes they can compete for the title.

The Mares have had a strong build-up to the regional showpiece tournament that will be staged in Nelson Mandela Bay from September 12-22 after twin successes against Lesotho.

Botswana won the first friendly fixture 5-0, before adding a 2-0 success in the second.

“I saw our mistakes and we will do everything in our last camp to polish them. I am confident that we are not going just to add numbers but to compete,” Gaoletlhoo said.

Balotlhanye Johannes, Mokgabo Thando and two strikes from Lesego Radikakanyo, as well as a Lesotho own goal, saw Botswana victorious in the first fixture.

Golebaone Selebatso and Johannes netted the goals in the second game.

Botswana have been drawn in Group A at the COSAFA Women’s Championships along with hosts South Africa, Malawi and Madagascar.

Meanwhile, Lesotho coach Monaheng Montsho says he was happy with the run-out despite the results as it shows him where work needs to be done.

“The two match practices have really helped us and remember two of our key players were not here, while we also had the absence of Boitumelo Rabale, who is currently studying in the USA,” Montsho revealed.

“We really missed her on the pitch; she is the captain and motivator, on and off the pitch. I am comfortable with any country that we play against.”

Lesotho will be in Group C at the regional showpiece along with Central African guest nation Cameroon, Zambia and Mozambique.

By Gaone Pearl Kerileng