Prisons XI ladies football team will be Botswana’s Cinderella at the inaugural COSAFA women’s champions league 2021 ball.
The team’s invite to the ball was communicated in a letter dated 19th of April 2021 and signed by COSAFA secretary general Sue Destombes.
Prisons XI will be joined at the ball games by seven other women’s teams from the Southern African region.
The teams are Manzini Wanderers LFC from Eswatini, Lesotho Defence Force from Lesotho, Costa Do Sol from Mozambique, Tura Magic FC from Namibia, Mamelodi Sundowns ladies FC from South Africa, Green Buffaloes women FC from Zambia and Black Rhino Queens FC from Zimbabwe.
She further noted in the letter that they are finalizing the hosting Association as well as timing which is either June or August this year, hence they will announce in due course the relevant logistics as well as regulations.
Reached for comment, Prisons XI coach Quelch Moroke said the news of his team’s selection to play at the inaugural tournament was exciting.
“As a club, we are very pleased and honoured to be chosen to represent the country at games of such a magnitude. This shows that indeed hard work pays,” an elated Moroke said.
“As a team we have tried to do things the right way and that has now paid off,” he added.
Moroke said as a team, they had been yearning for a time when they as women’s teams could have an opportunity to showcase their talents.
He said the arrival of such a competition shows women football is recognized and will be the future for the young girls.
The Prisons XI ladies team coach noted that for him and his team, the selection to represent Botswana means everything.
“This means we are working as a unit and doing what needs to be done the right way. Honestly, this is the greatest feeling for us to get such a recognition,” he gushed.
“Our dedication as a team is very important. It has been quite a beautiful journey building the club. It has been doing well locally as well as regionally. Now it is time to go continental,” Moroke said.
He noted that this will immensely contribute to women football growth in the country. Moroke said “it is always good to experience, and if experiences are used wisely they can bring positive effects.”
“Preparations will be starting soon, just that for now current regulations prohibiting sporting codes are still on, however it will not take long to get permission to start preparing for the league,” added Moroke.
Furthermore, Moroke noted that he plans to empower women in his team through such an opportunity.
He said “this being a massive opportunity, it should be clear to them that hard work pays, they were selected on merit, and everything they give will always pay off.”
When asked on an advice to other women football coaches, Moroke noted that they should continue working hard, only passion, commitment and dedication will bear great fruits for them.