News

Botswana Women’s Senior National team doctor gives an update on injuries

Apr 12, 2021

The Botswana women’s senior national team doctor, Dr. Merero Ntshese this afternoon shared a medical update of the squad after their training session today at Wits Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they are preparing to face Banyana Banyana in an international friendly slated for tomorrow (Tuesday) at 1500hrs.

The team trained for the first time today (Monday) since arriving in South Africa last night (Sunday), and the doctor assured the technical team that all players are eligible to play despite three players having niggling injuries.

“All the players are eligible to play, we have managed these minor knocks overtime. They had minor injuries and they have all been undergoing rehabilitation. This is mainly due to prolong inactivity and low fitness levels but with time I expect injury rates to reduce,” said Dr. Ntshese.

Players in training at Wits Stadium

According to Dr. Ntshese the players with knocks are;

Masego Mfandiso

She had a hamstring strain grade 1. She went through rehabilitation during camp and she’s is now eligible to play.

Segakolodi Didukanyane

She sustained an ankle sprain grade1 and also went through rehabilitation. The swelling has since subsided, and she is able to bear weight, and doing exceptionally well with regards to return to play protocol.

BFA acting Technical Advisor Dr Carolin Braun during light training with the players

Keitumetse Dithebe

She suffered an ankle sprain grade 1, and she went through rehabilitation too. The swelling has since subsided, and she is able to bear weight and she’s also doing exceptionally well with regards to return to play protocol.

Bonang Otlhagile

The captain will not play any part of tomorrow’s action. She recently recovered from COVID-19 and she is on post recovery phase that requires rest as per the return to play protocol. She is awaiting investigations to rule out complications that she might have sustained as a result of COVID-19. The investigations are part of the Pre-Competition Medical Assessment of which is a requirement of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

BFA acting TD Dr. Carolin Braun and Coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang

The rest of squad, according to the team doctor is fully fit, charged up and ready to conquer Banyana Banyana tomorrow.

Players in training at Wits Stadium
BFA acting TD Dr. Carolin Braun and Coach Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang

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The Mares Display Heart In Tri Nations Challenge

Botswana’s senior women’s national football team recently concluded their campaign in the prestigious Three Nations Challenge, hosted by South Africa from 28 May to 3 June at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. The series saw spirited competition between Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia, as teams continued their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

Despite narrowly missing out on the top prize, Botswana showed immense character and growth throughout the tournament. The Mares kicked off their campaign with a thrilling encounter against the African champions South Africa, narrowly going down 3-2 in a tightly contested match. The team bounced back with a determined performance against Zambia, securing a 1-1 draw and demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline.

Final Tournament Results:

South Africa 3–2 Botswana

Botswana 1–1 Zambia

South Africa 2–0 Zambia

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana were ultimately crowned champions of the series, winning both of their matches to take the top spot. The tournament offered valuable game time and experience for all participating nations, and Botswana’s technical team, led by Head Coach Alex Malete, will take key insights from these fixtures as they refine the squad for the crucial WAFCON fianals.