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Confidence was key

Oct 29, 2017

National Under 17 Women coach Odirile Mathaku says after taking over as head coach, it was key to win the confidence of the technical team first and restore their self believe and when he had that he let it float to the players.

“China” as he is popularly known said the result where always turnable looking at the second half performance in Zambia as the girls had snatched two valuable away goals in that period of the game. Mathaku told the BFA website that wining was not important but giving the players experience.

The girls had to fight and apply themselves which is very important in their football development. The same team crushed to Kenya in the under 20 World Cup Qualifiers and hence they had now some international experience to guide them.

“China” says the game plan of two early goals was key as it kept Zambia under a lot of pressure. They didn’t know whether to attack or defend, they panicked and we scored our third goal soon after halftime.

Botswana won 4-0 on the day and 6-5 on aggregate. The winner between Botswana and South Africa will go to the next round of qualification and move a step closer to qualification of Uruguay 2018.

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BOTSWANA U-20 WOMEN EXIT WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS WITH PRIDE AFTER HOME VICTORY

The Botswana U-20 Women’s National Team bowed out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2026 on a positive note after securing a 1–0 victory over Cameroon U-20 Women’s National Team this past weekend, despite a 5–1 aggregate defeat.

Having suffered a heavy 5–0 loss in the first leg played on 7 February 2026 at Olembe Stadium in Cameroon, the Young Mares showed resilience and determination in the return leg at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.

Forward Mbapeua Hangara scored the decisive goal in the second half, giving Botswana a deserved win in front of their home supporters and demonstrating the team’s fighting spirit until the final whistle.

Head coach Tapaphiwa Tracey Gaebolae expressed pride in her players performance and attitude, emphasizing the positive response after the first-leg setback.

“We are very proud of the girls. Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted in Cameroon, we came here with a positive mindset. The message to the team was that we needed to score more goals, stay organized, and believe in ourselves and I think the players responded very well.” Coach Gaebolae alluded at the post match Technical press conference.

Despite exiting the competition, the Young Mares leave the qualifiers with valuable international experience and renewed confidence, highlighting the growth and potential of women’s football in Botswana.