Latest news with #AlexMalete
CAF
14-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Malete's Method
Among the whispers of African Women's Football, one name is beginning to make a name for itself: Alex Malete. On Sunday, July 13th, at the Père Jégo Stadium in Casablanca, the Botswana coach gave his country much more than a simple comeback. At 35, he achieved his first major coaching feat by guiding the Mares to a stunning victory against Tunisia (2-1) in the final matchday of Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2025. But this success is above all the fruit of a method, patiently implemented by Alex Malete. "All the credit goes to the players" He is the first to say so. At the post-match press conference, with a wry smile and a calm voice despite the emotion, Alex Malete immediately steps aside: "All the credit goes to the players. They believed, they responded, they dared." A posture that speaks volumes about his leadership style. This coach, who has worked on television sets, radio stations, and school benches before settling on the women's national team bench, cultivates a rare form of humility. "What you see on the pitch is the result of alchemy. I'm there to create the conditions. But they are the ones who write the story." These words, spoken inside the walls of the Père Jégo Stadium after the decisive victory against Tunisia, resonate like a manifesto of his method. For Malete is not a fan of confrontation. He prefers to convince, suggest, and engage in dialogue. "I talk a lot with my players, to find out how they feel, gauge their determination, and get details that allow me to create a sense of osmosis." Another Life Before the Bench Alex Malete has lived more than one life. A FIFA and CAF-certified instructor, sports journalist for a Botswana channel, video analyst, and then assistant to Gaolethoo Nkutlwisang on the Mares bench before taking the reins. This breadth of experience has shaped him. He understands stories, images, and team dynamics. "He has this knack for reading players," says Unoda Chepete, Mares physiotherapist. "He knows what to say, but more importantly, how and when to say it." Since being appointed head coach at the end of 2023, Malete has given himself one mission: to inspire enthusiasm. A desire to play, to run, to inspire a country. To achieve this, he has taken his time. Individual interviews, team meetings, off-the-ball sessions to learn how to communicate... And above all, one watchword: trust. "He asked us to have fun" Down 1-0 at halftime against Tunisia, with their backs against the wall, Botswana could have given in. Elimination loomed. But in the locker room, not a word was spoken. No anger. "He just asked us to have fun," says Lesego Radiakanyo, goal scorer and TotalEnergies Woman of the Match. "He told us that the work had been done beforehand, that we just had to let loose, and that the goals would come." A simple, almost disarming, but incredibly effective message. In the second half, the Mares were transformed. Two goals, a renewed intensity, and above all, this feeling of playing "like in training, but with heart," in the words of captain Sedilame Boseja. The School of Detail The Malete method also involves obsessive attention to detail. A4 sheets of paper annotated by his own hand, individualized video sessions, GPS data used to adjust training load on a case-by-case basis. He's a technician, but he refuses to be a mere strategist. What matters is inner transformation. "If you believe you can do it, you will," he likes to tell his players. A sequel to be written Thanks to this victory against the Carthage Eagles, Botswana has a real chance of reaching the quarterfinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2024. All that is missing is a favourable result: a draw between Ghana and Tanzania. A scenario that was still unimaginable a few days ago. But for Malete, nothing is set in stone. "We haven't proven anything yet," the coach reminds us. "This tournament is above all a learning curve. If we get past the first round, it will be a great reward." But my real goal is for the team to emerge from this competition with experience and maturity, regardless of the final ranking." It remains to be seen whether this patiently implemented method will withstand the pressure of the top level. What is certain is that Botswana is no longer moving forward in the shadows.
Morocco World
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
WAFCON 2024: When, How to Watch Nigeria Take on Botswana
Rabat– The Super Falcons of Nigeria will face Botswana tonight, Thursday, July 10, in their second Group B match of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations ( WAFCON ), which is taking place across Morocco. Both teams are vying to gain crucial points in the group stage. After an emphatic 3–0 win over Tunisia in their opening match, Nigeria comes into this fixture brimming with confidence and a clear path to the quarterfinals. Botswana, on the other hand, is fighting to keep its hopes alive after a narrow 0–1 defeat to Algeria in their first outing. The match will take place at Casablanaca's arbi Zaouli Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 8 p.m. Nigerian time. Fans can watch the action live on DSTV, SABC Sport, Supersport, and Afrosport. For Nigeria, a win tonight would virtually guarantee top spot in Group B and ease the pressure going into their final group game. Led by the commanding goalkeeper and captain Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Super Falcons aim to continue their perfect defensive record and clinical attack. For Botswana, tonight is about survival. Coach Alex Malete has urged his team to play with urgency and discipline, promising a tighter defensive setup and quicker transitions in an attempt to trouble the Nigerian giants. Botswana's hopes may rest on forward Refilwe Tholakele producing a moment of brilliance, as they look to improve on their last meeting with Nigeria — a 0–2 defeat at WAFCON 2022. While Nigeria is focused on reclaiming the continental crown they lost in 2022, Botswana is fighting to prove they belong among Africa 's elite. A win for the Super Falcons tonight will all but seal their place in the knockout stages, while another defeat could spell the end of the road for Botswana. As the teams take the field, one thing is certain: both sides will leave it all out there, but against the resolute Nigerians, Botswana may need nothing short of a miracle to keep their campaign alive. A 2–1 victory for the Super Falcons seems on the cards. Tags: botswana wafconnigeria wafconWAFCONwafcon 2025
CAF
10-07-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Nigeria-Botswana: Quiet Strength in the Face of Urgency
Thursday evening at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium, two opposing paths will collide. Nigeria, having comfortably defeated Tunisia (3-0) can advance to the quarterfinals with quiet confidence. Botswana, beaten early by Algeria (0-1), is already playing for survival. On one side, strength. On the other, fear of sinking too quickly. Between the Super Falcons and the Mares, there will be little room for nuance. Malete in the Urgency Alex Malete does not raise his voice. But everything in his attitude speaks volumes. His team is on the edge. "Against Nigeria, it is an opportunity. But above all, an obligation. We must respond." Against Algeria, his players lacked boldness, accuracy and impact. So, the coach tightened the screws. A lower block, faster transitions and no ball turnovers. And the hope that Refilwe Tholakele, up front, will produce a spark. The last time Botswana met Nigeria in the finals was in 2022 in Rabat. A harsh lesson (0-2), meagre possession (26%), and uptight faces. "Since then, we have matured," assures Malete. "And this Nigeria, even if strong, is not untouchable." The calm of a champion On the other side, it is a completely different world. Nigeria can advance like bosses. No need to carry pressure into their last Group B fixture against Tunisia: a clean defense, a stifling midfield, sharp attacks. And, at the back, a goalkeeper who locks everything down: Chiamaka Nnadozie, 23, armband on her arm and the composure of a veteran. Her style? Minimalist. Her words? Rare. "We are focused on our mission. Mission X." No high-octane targets. Just one clear desire: to reclaim the throne lost in 2022. "This group is doing well," she says. "We know our worth. Even the newcomers are already in the mold." With her, Nigeria has not conceded a single goal in their last five WAFCON group stage matches. A barrier. And a signal. The Falcons are not getting carried away Justin Madugu, however, is not losing his mind. No need. The Nigerian coach knows what he has in his hands: a young team—11 novices on the roster—but disciplined, united and focused. "Botswana have heart," he reminds us. "It is going to be a tricky match." Against Tunisia, his substitutions hit the mark. Rinsola Babajide, who came on in the second half, sealed the deal. His shrewd management was praised in the locker room. "He gives us confidence, he gives us clarity," says Ucheibe. It is up to Madugu to continue proving that local coaches deserve their rightful place at the top. The last time a Nigerian coach won a gold medal was in 2016. An eternity in Lagos. Florence Omagbemi. Boseja, the Last Sentinel Botswana, for their part, must hang on. Mentality first, tactics second. Sedilame Boseja knows this. The Mares goalkeeper and captain was heroic against Algeria – six decisive saves – but ultimately gave in. "We are not here to defend for 90 minutes. We also want to create. We want to experience this Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Not just get through it." Botswana has never won a match in the finals. Four defeats, no clean sheets. But Boseja refuses to give in. "Against Nigeria, it will be difficult. But it is in matches like these that we learn the most. And that we can register a surprise." But they still have to hold on. And exist. The duel in the middle: Ucheibe – Tholakele The clash in the midfield could well decide everything. Christy Ucheibe, the Nigerian center, is coming off an impeccable match. Few fouls, many interceptions, and a first pass that is always accurate. On the other hand, Refilwe Tholakele is Botswana's only constant threat. Fast, provocative, unpredictable. If she manages to force Ucheibe out of her zone, the Mares can hope to gain yards. But if the Nigerian locks her down, then the spaces will close like a trap. And Botswana's transitions, already slow, will become sterile. Anything but a neutral match Beyond the standings, this Nigeria-Botswana speaks volumes. It speaks of the solidity of a giant that wants to regain her crown, quietly, without a fuss. It also speaks of the pride of a small team that wants to exist. And the tension of a moment when everything can change. A victory for Nigeria, and first place in the group will be virtually assured. A defeat for Botswana, and it will almost be the end. "We just want to leave the field feeling like we gave it our all," murmurs Boseja. Against the Super Falcons, that will not be enough. We shall have to resist. We shall have to dare. It might take a miracle.'
CAF
04-06-2025
- General
- CAF
Alex Malete (Botswana): 'Our minimum target is the quarterfinals'
A former radio analyst, trained teacher and FIFA instructor, Alex Malete wants to make Botswana a serious contender Appointed head coach in 2023 after years as an assistant, he's brought a new level of discipline to the Mares' preparations Botswana will face Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 He no longer wants Botswana to be seen as mere participants. At just 35 years old, Alex Basimanebotlhe Malete is determined to shake up the hierarchy of African women's football. He's not just dreaming he's planning. He's not there to take part he's there to compete, to be seen, to break through barriers. Promoted to head coach of the Mares in 2023 after several years behind the scenes as assistant coach, Malete wasted no time in making his presence felt. Gone are the days of half-hearted preparations and excuses around lack of experience. Under his leadership, everyday matters, every session is carefully planned, every friendly is treated as a proper test. 'Not reaching the quarterfinals would be unacceptable,' he states clear-eyed but ambitious. And it's not just talk. Despite his youth, Malete speaks from experience. He knows this team inside out, having been part of it for years. He started off as 'just' the assistant. Now, he's the one in charge. And his unconventional background is his greatest asset: a former radio analyst who turned his attention to the pitch, a qualified teacher and a passionate FIFA instructor focused on youth development he represents a new wave of African coaches. With a clear approach, a youth-focused strategy and a bold message, he's determined to do better than in 2022, when Botswana surprised many by reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Morocco (2-1). But this time, the element of surprise is gone. Malete is open about his goal: he wants to make his team one of the continent's powerhouses. As the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 approaches, the team enters a critical phase of preparation. Under Alex Malete, Botswana moves forward with method and ambition no longer just to participate, but to make an impact. How would you assess your team's preparation for this TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON? Alex Malete: I'd say we're in the final stages of our preparation. We're starting our camp today, and we're waiting for all the players to join us. The good news is that one of our players, who was out for the whole of last year due to injury, is finally back. That's a big plus for us. Starting today, we'll focus on our next two matches against South Africa and Zambia. These two international friendlies will help us assess our current level. In terms of fitness, we know most of our players are not yet where they should be. In 2022, during your first appearance, Botswana reached the quarterfinals. What lessons have you taken from that experience? We learnt a great deal. It was a first for everyone the players, the technical staff, the federation. One key lesson was around how we handled conceding goals, and especially the mental preparation of the players, particularly when facing teams like Nigeria. You could sense even before kick-off that mentally, we weren't ready for them. Since then, we've grown. I believe we're better equipped now to compete without being overawed by the occasion. We've faced high-level teams. In the upcoming FIFA window, we'll play Zambia and South Africa. In the past, we've played Tunisia (who are in our group), Mali, Morocco, and even Russia. These matches have helped us progress, both in terms of our game and our results. There's another key difference: during our first campaign, we only did one fitness test before the tournament. This time, we're doing two. We did the ALIA physical evaluation in January, and we'll do another right before the competition to tailor the training for each player's needs. This time, Botswana is in Group B with Nigeria, Tunisia and Algeria. What's your take on this group? All the groups are tough in my opinion. There's no easy group. If you look at Group A, it's even more competitive because it includes the host nation. Group C has the defending champions. In Group B, like last time, we've got Nigeria again. Nigeria's playing style is very different from Algeria or Tunisia. The latter two are very tactical, whereas Nigeria combines physical power with tactical discipline. So, we've prepared to face both types of opponents. Now we need to find a way to qualify for the next round. Let's talk a bit about you. You were a journalist before becoming a coach. How has that past experience helped in your coaching career? It's helped a lot. I started out in radio as an analyst. Then I moved into print and TV, which gave me the chance to observe and analyse matches, systems, team dynamics... It gave me a broader perspective on football, beyond the emotion of the pitch. As a journalist, you learn to ask the right questions and see things others might miss. That's helped me develop a critical eye, which is valuable now in evaluating our performances, preparing for matches, and even managing the group. I believe that this unique journey is one of my strengths as a coach today. How do you work to build a bridge between youth categories and the senior national team? We rely mainly on our youth national teams. Over the past year, we've integrated several players from the U20 squad. It's harder with the U17s, because they still have their own camps and are mostly in school. Balancing school, junior competitions, and the senior team is tough for them. But with the U20s, many are no longer studying, which makes things easier. As soon as we spot promising talent, we do everything we can to bring them into the senior team. Even if they don't play much at first, they get to learn about the environment, the culture, and the expectations. It's all part of preparing for the future. In your view, what would constitute a successful TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON for Botswana? A successful campaign would be reaching at least the quarterfinals. From there, we can start dreaming about the semi-finals. But honestly, not making it out of the group stage would be a failure for us. The goal is clear: to get to the quarters at minimum. Do you think this tournament could be a steppingstone to more international recognition for your players? Absolutely I truly believe that. The difference between us and countries like South Africa is that most of their players are in professional leagues. Why? Because they regularly play in CAF competitions, FIFA tournaments and the Olympics. For us, this second WAFCON appearance is a golden opportunity. It puts our players on the radar of scouts and professional clubs. The more girls we have playing professionally, the stronger our national team becomes. This tournament offers real exposure. If we do well, as we hope to, it could open many doors for our players. Final question, coach. What message would you give to a young African girl who dreams of becoming a footballer? My message is simple: your dreams are valid. A young African girl can make it in football. The examples are there: Barbara Banda is shining at the highest level. The Chawinga sisters from Malawi are playing in top leagues. Across North and West Africa, many others are succeeding too. And to parents and society at large, I'd say: let's change the perception that football is only for men. Football is for everyone.
