Women's football in Botswana has made significant strides with the introduction of the country's first Women's National First Division earlier this year. The 20-team competition, divided between the north and south, provides a structured platform for more clubs and players to compete regularly. This development marks a major step forward for women's football in the country.
However, sustaining this progress poses a challenge due to a shortage of funding. According to Tsholofelo Setlhoko, Head of Women's Football at the Botswana Football Association (BFA), clubs need more sponsorship, better infrastructure, and suitable places to play. The BFA, along with representatives of the African Club Association (ACA), recently met to explore ways to support clubs and encourage them to join the association.
The ACA aims to represent and promote football clubs across the continent, operating independently of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Its visit to Botswana sought to support clubs and provide them with a stronger collective voice. This could help women’s teams connect with wider football networks and pursue new opportunities for support, visibility, and commercial growth.
A larger league brings more opportunities but also raises the costs of running a club. Teams need funding for transport, equipment, coaching, facilities, and player welfare. Without dependable backing, clubs may struggle to meet these needs, and the new competition could fail to deliver its full promise. Setlhoko sees the ACA as a potential ally in addressing these challenges.
Setlhoko was appointed a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert in May 2025, placing her close to both Botswana’s domestic development and the wider international effort to grow the women’s game. Her role involves working on initiatives that promote women's football, including clubs competing in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Regional competition offers another route to growth for Botswana's women's football. The country already has a regional club competition, giving teams a chance to test themselves beyond their domestic leagues. Competing against teams with different styles can sharpen players’ skills, raise the standard of play, and help clubs identify areas for improvement.
Botswana has already demonstrated its potential in women's football, with Gaborone United Ladies representing the COSAFA region at last year’s CAF Women’s Champions League. The team’s campaign provided valuable experience and showed that Botswana clubs can compete beyond their home league. Initiatives such as the ACA’s outreach to clubs can build on this achievement and help more women’s teams take the next step.
Key points
- Women's football in Botswana faces a funding shortfall that could hinder its progress.
- The Botswana Football Association and the African Club Association are exploring ways to support women's clubs and address the funding shortage.
- Regional competition and international partnerships can help Botswana's women's football grow and improve.
