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Zebras Ready To Kick On

Jan 18, 2016

Since taking charge two years ago, Butler had set about dismantling the old guard and injecting fresh legs, which is beginning to bear fruit. Burkina Faso and Mali were blasted in stunning fashion while Eritrea expectedly posed little threat and got the right treatment from a ruthless Zebras who made the Francistown Sports Complex their new fortress towards the end of last year.

“Our objectives remain the same. We will continue with our project and strive to remain competitive at every level.

We will continue to search for new talent as I feel this is so important to my commitment to the Botswana public and more importantly to the youth of the country,” Butler said when quizzed about the direction of his project in 2016.

He said it was heartening to note that the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng and President Ian Khama had publicly declared Francistown as the home venue for the Zebras “as I feel this is a marker in the sand moving forward”.

Butler said Zebras preparations should be concentrated in the north as that is where the passion lies. He called for high profile matches at the end of January or in February to kick-start what should be ‘the Zebras year’.

Butler would continue to blood in largely untested players and said he would follow up his recent talent identification trip to the Botswana Games and also commence an Under-21 programme to underpin the good work which has bore fruit in the last two years.

“The squad moving forward will be more settled as we have a very talented and exciting young group of players, but development will always be at the forefront as Botswana is far behind other countries,” he said.

Asked about targets for the upcoming COSAFA Cup to be held in Namibia in May, Butler said the regional cup was not on his mind.

“I am more concerned with the upcoming games. We have to prepare in a more professional manner and we need games. We need to stay humble and keep the players grounded and focused.

I am into my last year so obviously I would like to take the team to greater heights.”

Against a backdrop of skcepticism, Butler has moulded a young and exciting team that is surprisingly built around previously unknown players such as Lebogang Ditsele.

In the latest rankings released on Thursday, the Zebras rose to 25th in Africa while they moved to 95th in the World. They face Comoros in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in March before crossing to Namibia to play in the COSAFA Cup.

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Setlhoko Appointed as FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert

FIFA has announced the appointment of Ms. Tsholofelo Setlhoko as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, joining a global network of qualified professionals dedicated to the growth and development of women’s football worldwide. This prestigious appointment recognizes Ms. Setlhoko’s exceptional contributions to the sport and her commitment to advancing women’s football across Botswana and beyond.

Launched in 2020, the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programmes have been instrumental in strengthening women’s football through targeted support for Member Associations. With the recent relaunch of the programme in December 2024, FIFA aims to expand its impact across all 211 Member Associations, offering tailored assistance that reflects the unique contexts and needs of each nation.

In her role as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, Ms. Setlhoko will leverage her vast experience in football administration, strategic planning, and grassroots development to support Member Associations in implementing sustainable growth strategies. Her leadership within the Botswana Football Association (BFA), particularly in spearheading initiatives for women’s football, has set a benchmark for development and community engagement.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert. This is not only a personal achievement but a victory for women’s football in Botswana. I look forward to sharing best practices and supporting the growth of women’s football in other Member Associations,” said Ms. Setlhoko.

The President of the Botswana Football Association, Mr. Tariq Babitseng, also expressed his pride in Ms. Setlhoko’s achievement, stating, “Tsholofelo’s appointment is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her expertise and passion for women’s football are unmatched, and we are confident that she will make a substantial impact globally.”

Ms. Setlhoko’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the representation of African women in global football development. As she embarks on this journey, she remains committed to championing women’s football and inspiring the next generation of female athletes and administrators.