Botswana’s senior women’s team head coach Ms Gaoletlhoo ‘Ronaldo’ Nkutlwisang says their aim is to win the coming COSAFA tournament. The Mares are yet to win silverware in any COSAFA competition.

The regional championship will be staged in South Africa from August 26-September 6.

Last year they finished second in their group but failed to progress to the semi finals in the COSAFA senior Challenge which was held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe which was won by their rivals South Africa.

Gaoletlhoo, a former Mares player, herself said she has a lot to offer as a coach.

“We only aim to win this year’s tournament and cannot afford to return home empty handed. We are confident and believe we can upset those that will undermine us,” Nkutlwisang warned.

Since the appointment as the coach the women’s senior national team have never won any silverware and this year she wants that curse to die. She also said 2018 is their year and in their preparations will not leave any stones unturned.

“There are few areas that need to be rectified and I have found the solution. During our preliminary preparations everything will be polished. I now have a larger pool of players to select the squad from,” she said.

“I would love to believe a win and a draw in last year’s COSAFA senior challenge against Lesotho and South Africa will lift our spirits and we will pick it from there,” Nkutlwisang said confidently.

Despite the draw having not yet been conducted, she said they will be ready for any team they face.

By Gaone Pearl Kerileng