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Coach Nkutlwisang thumps up Bosija’s move to Sundowns Ladies FC

May 27, 2021

GABORONE, Botswana, May 27, 2021/ – The Botswana women senior national football team coach, Gaoletlhoo Nkutlwisang has shared her indisputable delight following the complete move of her team’s number one goalkeeper, Sedilame Bosija from Bloemfontein Celtics to Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC in the Hollywood Bets Super League in South Africa recently.

Bosija this week positively affixed her signature on a lucrative two years and 5 months contract with the high-flying Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC. Reacting to the news, Nkutlwisang, who will need the vast experience of the netminder to keep goals at bay, shared her insights into having many national team players playing in international leagues saying this solidifies the advancement of the national team even further.

“I am delighted about her move. She is still young, it’s a great deal. Her club will also be playing in the women championship with the possibility of a podium finish and that will also expose her to many scouts thus increasing her chances of an overseas move. From a national team perspective, when we have a pool of players that play in top tier international leagues, the level of competitiveness also goes up. Therefore, her move also brings attention to other local players and already teams in Zambia are enquiring about certain players in our squad, and it will be up to our local clubs to mutually agree and bring experience to the national teams,” said Nkutlwisang.

Goalkeeper Bosija in action

For her part, the 23-year-old goalminder minder said, “since moving to RSA, I have grown as a player because of the league’s competitiveness, and this also gives me an opportunity to learn new skills everyday. The league is competitive, the clubs have good facilities too”.

Bosija also believes that international scouts have already started paying attention to the local players after their good display of football at the last COSAFA tournament.

Whilst emotionally stuck in bidding her former club farewell, the Tutume-born keeper further thanked the management, players, and technical staff of Bloemfontein Celtics for giving her the erstwhile opportunity to don their colors includingrepresenting them with pride.

“I had made a family there (Bloemfontein Celtics) and it wasn’t easy to leave but I would like to thank the Siwelele family for the opportunity they had given me over time. I don’t take it for granted as it contributed to my success thus far,” she concluded.

National team coach Nkutlwisang

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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.