Botswana Senior Women national team “The Mares” were celebrated in a gleeful awards ceremony for their milestone debut at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2022

Giving his opening remarks Botswana Football Association president Mr Maclean Letshwiti expressed his gratitude’s towards the team for their milestone and sterling debut performance at just ended TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

“Ladies and gentlemen my job is quiet simple today. It is to thank the Mares, the beautiful team of ladies you see in navy blue and white. The Mares have done the footballing community and country very proud. Thank you to the ladies, their coaches and team management. The families of these ladies, I salute you too. Without you we would not have these ladies in the first place. We come a long way, together. That is why only you and I can tell people about the long road to our happiness today. The challenges that we confronted along the way before and after the all-important Slovakia camp, and the challenges that you still face as you embark on being the best in Africa” said Letshwiti.

He concluded by appreciating and thanking the government of Botswana and all sponsors for their warm support.

The team was awarded P1 880, 000.00.

In addition, the following women’s teams received the sum of P10,000.00 as a token of appreciation: Double Action, Francistown United, UB Kicks, Francistown United, and Prisons XI.

Dr. Lobone L. Kasale of the University of Botswana spoke at the ceremony on the nature of sports science and the importance of partnerships to ensure that Botswana athletes elevate Botswana to a higher level of the international sports arena.

Both team coach Gaolethoo Ronaldo Nkutlwisang and team captain Bonang Bebeto Otlhagile had the opportunity to stand behind the podium and recount their WAFCON journey from the preparation phase to the final day at Rabat, Morocco.