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CAF
11-06-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Refilwe Tholakele (Botswana): 'I Want to Make My Country Proud'
Revealed during the 2022 CAF TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations thanks to a stunning brace against Burundi. Top scorer of the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League with five goals, the Botswanan striker is determined to make her mark Just weeks before a new continental campaign, the star of the Mares shares her ambitions, her personal growth, and her deep desire to inspire a new generation of female footballers. She doesn't need to raise her voice to be heard. Her statistics speak for themselves: top scorer in the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League with five goals, decisive with a brace against Burundi (4-2) in the last TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON — Refilwe Tholakele has become a powerful figure in African women's football. At 29, the Botswanan forward, now shining at Mamelodi Sundowns, has gone from breakout star to established leader. Just days before another continental challenge with the Mares — placed in a tough group with Nigeria, Algeria, and Tunisia — Tholakele exudes calm confidence. In this heartfelt interview with she looks back at her personal evolution, her deep bond with the national jersey, and her strong desire to inspire. Botswana is in Group B with Nigeria, Algeria, and Tunisia. What's your take on this group? Refilwe Tholakele: It's clearly a very tough group. We're talking about countries with experience, players competing in top leagues, and real traditions in women's football. But for us, it's an opportunity. These kinds of matchups help a team grow. We respect our opponents, of course, but we're not afraid. Since our last participation, we've progressed in every area — mentally, physically, and as a team. This Women's AFCON is our chance to show what we're really worth. What are you focusing on in your personal preparation? I'm working hard on several aspects of my game. Physically, I want to be able to repeat high-intensity efforts and maintain that intensity for 90 minutes or more. I've also focused a lot on my decision-making in the final third — whether it's finishing chances or creating them for teammates. And then there's the mental aspect: staying composed when the game heats up, managing emotional highs and lows. I also do a lot of visualization. I picture myself in different match situations and prepare to respond calmly and precisely. It's those small details that make the difference at this level. What does the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON mean to you? It's much more than just a competition. It's a childhood dream come true — but also a mission. Wearing the Botswana jersey at WAFCON means representing an entire nation, making our voice heard across the continent. It's a stage that highlights the journeys, sacrifices, and ambitions of African women footballers. For me, it's also a moment of family pride: I think of my parents, of those who supported me through tough times, of my community. Playing at AFCON is a way to honour their trust, patience, and love. What do you take from your first WAFCON experience in 2022? It was a shock — but a constructive one. We faced players with great composure, real football intelligence, and impressive physical power. I realized how much work I still had to do. But it wasn't discouraging — quite the opposite. It was like an accelerated course. I learned to read the game faster, to handle media pressure better, and to stay calm in big matches. That first WAFCON gave me a roadmap for improvement. It also made me hungrier. I came out of it with one thought: come back and do better. What has changed in your approach since the last tournament? I'm more complete now, I think. I've understood that football isn't just played with your legs. These days, I prepare for matches with my head as well. I spend time analysing opponents, identifying their weaknesses, anticipating different match scenarios. I'm no longer just a finisher — I want to be a player who influences the game, helps in recovering the ball, talks, and guides others. I also aim to be a mentor for the younger players. AFCON is a short, intense tournament, and every detail matters. We can't afford to be spectators in our own matches anymore. How can Botswana surprise the continent in this competition? Our greatest strength is our cohesion. This group is close-knit, works hard, and deeply believes in its potential. We have nothing to lose — and that changes everything. There's a real desire to prove we're not just here to participate. We've established a strong work ethic, an ambitious game plan, and a competitive mindset. If we stay focused, united, and don't let the pressure crush us, I think we can cause upsets. We know our limitations, but we also know our strengths. And sometimes, the element of surprise can be decisive. What drives you to keep improving every day? It's a combination of several things. First, my family — I want to make them proud. My country, too — I know young girls are watching me and thinking it's possible. That responsibility pushes me to lead by example. And then, my own dreams. I still have many goals, both at club level and with the national team. I want to push my limits, to prove that even coming from a country where women's football is still developing, we can aim for excellence. Every training session, every match is a chance to improve. I don't want to waste that. What does the national team jersey mean to you? It's an emotion that's hard to describe. Every time I wear it, I feel a mix of pride, gratitude, and responsibility. It's not just a jersey — it's the symbol of a whole people, of all the battles fought to give women's football its rightful place. I think of the dusty fields of my childhood, the sacrifices made to play, the sceptical looks we had to overcome. Wearing this jersey is a tribute to all of that. And it's also a promise: to fight until the last second to defend our colours. Off the field, what has football given you? Football has given me structure and a framework. It taught me to manage my time, to bounce back after setbacks, and to believe in myself. It has also allowed me to travel, to discover other cultures, and to connect with inspiring players. Without football, I might not be the person I am today. It has given me opportunities I never imagined. And most importantly, it taught me that anything is possible when you work with passion and consistency. What would you like people to remember about you after this WAFCON? That I gave everything, from the first to the last match. I'd like to be remembered as a committed, generous player who always gave her all for the national jersey. I want to be seen as a fighter, but also as a woman who inspired, motivated, and gave others the desire to dream. If one girl, somewhere in Botswana or elsewhere, decides to follow her passion after watching me play — then I've achieved something meaningful. Football is a team sport, but it can also change individual lives. I hope to be living proof of that.
CAF
03-06-2025
- General
- CAF
Women's AFCON 2024: Team Profile
Published: Tuesday, 03 June 2025 How the Team Qualified Botswana secured their place at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 following a solid qualifying campaign. After progressing past the first round, the Mares faced Kenya in a high-stakes regional encounter in the second and final qualifying round. The first leg, played in Francistown, ended in a 1–1 draw. In the return leg, Basimanebotlhe Malete's side clinched a crucial 1–0 victory to book their spot at the finals. Tournament History Botswana made their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2022, reaching the quarterfinals where they narrowly lost 2–1 to hosts Morocco. That year also marked their first-ever win at the tournament through a 4–2 victory over Burundi. Players to Watch Refilwe Tholakele A powerful and intelligent forward, Tholakele has proven to be deadly in front of goal for the Mares. A product of Botswana's Double Action club, she took a major step in her career by joining South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. Her impact was immediate: she finished as top scorer at the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League with five goals and was one of the standout revelations of the tournament. Quick, well positioned, and strong in one-on-one situations, Tholakele is also known for her relentless pressing and ability to hold up play. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija A goalkeeper known for her reassuring presence, excellent reading of the game and impressive reflexes on her line. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija has good footwork and knows how to distribute the ball efficiently and quickly, making her an asset in offensive transitions. Her ability to communicate effectively with her defence strengthens the solidity of her defensive unit. Despite a serious knee injury, she has shown great resilience and exemplary determination. A natural leader, she embodies professionalism and remains a role model for the new generation of Botswana's goalkeepers. Head Coach Basimanebotlhe Alex Malete has been at the helm of the Botswana women's team since 2023. He brings a modern tactical approach, with a strong emphasis on defensive organisation and detailed performance analysis. Holding a CAF B coaching licence and an advanced certification in tactical analysis, Malete integrates post-match review sessions into the team's routine, breaking down entire matches to identify key moments and improve collective decision-making. Aims and Group Analysis Botswana will be looking to better their 2022 quarter-final run. Their 2024 group is a challenging one, featuring Nigeria, Tunisia, and Algeria. However, they're banking on their defensive discipline and the sharpness of their front three to potentially cause an upset. As underdogs, the Mares may benefit from being under the radar provided they maintain a consistently high level of focus and intensity throughout the group stage.
