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Use of blue books abolished

May 18, 2021

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) says following the completion of the electronic registration system, known as the FIFA CONNECT, the use of the manual registration method (Blue Books) has ceased to exist. The Secretariat made the announcement on Tuesday (today), informing all clubs that ownership of players will only be recognized using the electronic system.

“We therefore wish to urge all structures to make sure that all clubs participating in the various leagues (including youth) have registered all their players in the system as that is the only recognizable process/system of registering players for teams taking part in the BFA Competitions,” a communique from the Botswana FA read.

Furthermore, the Secretariat advised all clubs to commence the capturing of data in the FIFA CONNECT system whilst awaiting the commencement of footballing activity.

“It has been noted that most teams, especially women and youth have not yet completed capturing players in the system.”

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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.