Botswana coach Tapaphiwa Gaebolae has named her provisional squad for the inaugural COSAFA Women’s Under-17 Championship to be held in Mauritius from September 20-29.

Gaebolae said her players will learn a lot during the competition and grow in what will for many be their introduction to international competition, though six of the squad also featured in the 2019 COSAFA Under-20 Championships.

The team is currently in camp and will have a few friendly games with local teams before departing for Mauritius. The coach adds she is confident they will return home with a medal.

Botswana has been drawn in Group B at the COSAFA Women’s Under-17 Championship and will take on Madagascar in their opener on September 21. After that they will face South Africa two days later, before rounding out their pool play against Seychelles on September 25.

The top two teams in each group advance to the semi-finals.

Botswana senior women’s football is basking in the glory after defeating heavyweights South Africa in the qualifiers for the 2020 Olympic Games, which will no doubt provide inspiration and motivation for the Under-17 group.

Botswana provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Thobo Monageng, Gomolemo Bafore, Precautious Tabengwa, Katso Gaorelathe

Defenders: Pearl Sikwane, Keamogetse Maano, Boitshepho Lombala, Lorato Motlogelwa, Christinah Monyatsi, Katlo Marks, Desiree Kenyaditswe

Midfielders: Bofelo Rantsho, Lone Kgalaeng, Khumo Jautse, Lesego Pineng, Setso Moshe, Maungo Maponga, Khumoetsile Jautse, Thompho Gabana, Kaone Mbongwe, Precious Tlhapi, Gabatshwane Setshwano

Strikers: One Pitso, Jesica Modise, Kewarona Kealotswe, Serati Modisenyane

By Gaone Pearl Kerileng