The Botswana women’s national team coach Gaoletlhoo ‘Ronaldoh’ Nkutlusang has named her provisional squad of 27 players for the 2018 COSAFA Women’s Championship to be held in South Africa in September.  The squad is a relatively youthful one that features two Under-17 players, while 12 of the players are Under-23.

The coach has revealed that she wants to win this year’s tournament as she seeks a first gold medal since being appointed the head coach for the senior team. The teenagers in her squad were spotted at the recently ended Copa Coca-Cola football schools’ national championship and are Lone Gaofete and Esalenna Galekhutle.

They featured in Under-17 World Cup qualifiers last year, where they beat Zambia but were knocked out by South Africa. The oldest player is the skipper Bonang ‘Bebeto’ Otlhagile, who is 32. Gaoletlhoo will trim the squad to 20 players for the final list for the competition after her training camps. It will be very hard as the players have shown great promise, but she will also consider selecting experience and young blood.

Botswana provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Lesego Gloria Moeng, Refilwe Tshambane, Sedilame Bosija, Tlamelo Pheresi

Defenders: Patricia Motingwa, Godiramang Gonae, Bonang Otlhagile, Masego Montsho, Nancy Baeletsi, Lone Gaofete, Gorata Mogakolodi, Kesegofetse Mochawe, Veronica Mogotsi, Kgomotso Molefe, Keitumetse Kemolebale

Midfielders: Golebaone Selebatso, Nondi Matlhasela, Lebogang Setereke, Lesego Radikakanyo, Bonang Kelefitlhetse, Lesego Keleboge, Balotlhanyi  Johannes

Strikers: Refilwe Tlholakele, Esalenna Galekhutle, Thuto Ramafifi, Masego Nfandiso, Mokgabo Thando