News

Popa Down African Giant

Feb 23, 2018

Township Rollers of Botswana masterminded one of the biggest upsets in continental club football when they eliminated Sudanese giants, El Merreikh.

Merreikh managed a 2-1 win over Rollers on Wednesday in the second leg clash of the preliminary round in Omdurman, but Rollers advanced 4-2 on aggregate.

The visitors made the task very complicated for the home side as early as since the first minute, when Lemponye Tshireletso weaved his way past his marker, before delivering a shot which grazed the crossbar.

On two minutes, Joel Mogorosi connected a home a corner past Merreikh goalie, Jamal Salim for the opener. Merreikh struggled to find their feet, and matters were made worse by the pressure from the Botswana champions and also superb saves from goalkeeper Keeagile Kgosipula. Sierra Leonean-import Sheka Fofanah equalized in the 19th minute when he controlled nicely before firing past onrushing Kgosipula.

After the break, Merreikh pushed forward in search of more goals to annul the 3-0 loss from the first leg. Ahmed Adam and the playmaker Ahmed Al Tish made a big performance and showed big effort to motivate the home side, but strikers Khalid Al Nasan and Salih Al Ajab did not find enough space to move forward.

Rollers made many mistakes to stop the skill full Al Tish, who was brought down at the edge of the penalty area, and Tish himself sent the ball into the top left corner for the second goal, but it was very late.

Up Next

BFA and Choppies Group announce a 3-year sponsorship

Don't Miss

Debswana ensures safety in football

News

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.