Senior women’s head coach Gaolethoo Ronaldo Nkutlwisang has called for a major overhaul of the national team after Botswana suffered a 6-0 defeat to Tanzania in the second leg of the CAF Olympic qualifiers on Tuesday. The loss ended the Mares’ hopes of qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games, with Botswana losing 7-0 on aggregate.
The Mares travelled to Tanzania needing a strong response to keep their Olympic dream alive. However, they were overwhelmed by the hosts and failed to mount a comeback. The defeat has left Nkutlwisang convinced that the team must begin preparing younger players to take over.
Speaking after the match, the coach acknowledged the need to restructure the squad. She suggested that some senior players who have served the national team for years may need to make way for a younger generation.
Speaking after the match, the coach acknowledged the need to restructure the squad. She suggested that some senior players who have served the national team for years may need to make way for a younger generation.
“From here, we have to go back home and prepare for the next competitions. Looking at the senior players who have stayed long in this team, we have to restructure the team and let the young ones start preparing as early as possible,” Nkutlwisang said. Her comments point to a possible generational shift as Botswana looks to rebuild after a disappointing qualifying campaign. The 6-0 defeat exposed the Mares’ struggles against a Tanzanian side that dominated physically and maintained a high tempo throughout the match.
The 7-0 aggregate scoreline also highlighted the challenge Botswana faces in competing against stronger opposition on the continent. Nkutlwisang’s focus has now shifted to future competitions, with youth development expected to play a central role in the rebuilding process.
The coach’s call for change comes after Tanzania ended Botswana’s Olympic ambitions with commanding performances over the two legs.
