Gaborone United Ladies will launch their defence of the COSAFA Women’s Champions League Qualifiers title when they host the regional tournament in Gaborone from August 20 to 29.
The Botswana champions, popularly known as the Red Roses, have been drawn in Group A alongside Lesotho Defence Force Ladies, Zimbabwe’s Herentals Queens and Zambia’s Zesco Ndola Girls. The tournament winners will qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals.
GU enter the competition as defending champions after making history last year by becoming the first Botswana club to win the COSAFA qualifiers and secure a place at the continental finals. The Red Roses arrive in confident mood after clinching a third consecutive national league title on Saturday in Palapye. But coach Khalid Ninyonzima says the club’s ambitions stretch far beyond domestic success.
“Our plan is to go again and win the COSAFA. God willing, we’ll do that. Then go for CAF someday,” Ninyonzima said after sealing the league championship.
“It is not about the people who are there. They are good players, very good players. But they need time to rest, there are injuries and bookings, so we have to have enough squad if we want to compete internationally.” The coach identified defensive cover as one area that may need strengthening before the tournament begins.
For the coach, retaining the regional crown would be another step towards establishing Gaborone United among Africa’s leading women’s football clubs.
Last year’s triumph was a landmark moment for Botswana football, demonstrating that local clubs can compete with the best teams in Southern Africa. Replicating that success, however, will require careful preparation and greater squad depth.
Ninyonzima believes the current squad has the quality needed to challenge for honours, but says reinforcements may be necessary to cope with injuries, suspensions and the demands of competing on multiple fronts.
“If it’s to beef up the team, then we have to do that,” he said.
“It is not about the people who are there. They are good players, very good players. But they need time to rest, there are injuries and bookings, so we have to have enough squad if we want to compete internationally.” The coach identified defensive cover as one area that may need strengthening before the tournament begins.
Group B features South African powerhouse Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Mozambique’s Costa do Sol, Eswatini’s Nsingini Hotspurs and Malawi’s Silver Strikers, ensuring a highly competitive tournament.
COSAFA President Tariq Babitseng has also challenged the Red Roses to successfully defend their title and continue raising Botswana’s profile in women’s football. With home support behind them and expectations at an all-time high, Gaborone United have a clear objective: retain their regional crown, return to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals and continue rewriting Botswana football history.
