News

BFA referees to fly the flag at COSAFA 2021

Jun 23, 2021

GABORONE, Botswana – The Botswana Football Association (BFA) refereeing duo of Keabetswe Dintwa and Lucky Kegakolotswe will join their counterparts from across the region by officiating at this year’s historic 20th COSAFA Cup edition. The region’s football showpiece runs from July 7th – 18th 2021 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, South Africa. Dintwa is a referee based in Francistown while Kegakolotswe is an assistant referee based in Palapye.

The two are said to have impressed the referees’ panel during last year’s (2020) COSAFA Under-20 Challenge tournament, where their mettle and refereeing prowess shined. “This will be their first time to officiate in the COSAFA Cup senior challenge and that means they did well in the junior tournament previously. We are happy with their progression, normally you have to prove your mettle in the junior tournament before being entrusted with the senior tournament of COSAFA”, said BFA Referees Manager, Phodiso Rasetshoga when reacting to the exciting news today.

The duo will depart to South Africa on July 1, 2021, where they will join other referees from across the region, before undergoing a pre-tournament course led by COSAFA instructors. The 12-team tournament returns after the 2020 edition had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Botswana senior national team, Zebras has been drawn against South Africa, eSwatini and Lesotho in Group A as preparations for the historic 20th edition of the regional showpiece competition kick into gear. In Group B is Zambia, Malawi, Madagascar, Comoros while Senegal, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Namibia all form part of Group C.

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Development

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.