The Nhabe Women’s Football League launched its preseason over the weekend with a thrilling series of matches, drawing four women’s teams from across the region. The event, which took place in Maun, was a vibrant celebration of women’s sports, bringing together female footballers, and spectators.
Phenyo Moitoi, the organiser of the tournament, expressed the significance of the event, noting, “It’s unfortunate that many people in this region are unaware of the women’s football league that has been active for some time now. We wanted to bring all these talented women together to showcase their skills and start preparations for the upcoming league season.”
The tournament featured fierce competition among the participating teams: Miami Copper Queens, Real Killers, Saint Daniels, and Western Dynamite.
The first match saw Miami Copper Queens dominate Real Killers with a decisive 9-1 victory. In the second game, Saint Daniels, a team known for its remarkable improvement faced off against Western Dynamite but ultimately lost 3-1. The losers’ final saw Real Killers redeem themselves with a 2-0 win over Saint Daniels. The grand finale was a spectacle, with Western Dynamite overpowering Miami Copper Queens, winning 6-2.
Since inception, the Nhabe Women’s Football League has been built on foundational pillars such as empowering women through sports, teaching leadership skills, and addressing critical regional issues like unemployment, gender-based violence, and substance abuse. The league’s mission is to uplift the psychological and social well-being of women and girls, transforming them into pillars of strength within their communities.
Moitoi highlighted the challenges female athletes face during the off-season, stating, “We saw it fit to bring these women together and empower them to return to sports. Unfortunately, when the league ends, many women struggle to maintain their skills due to personal life challenges. Some are distracted by the lifestyle of going out, which is prevalent in this town.”
In addition to the personal challenges faced by the players, Moitoi also pointed out that the league itself faces significant obstacles, primarily due to a lack of sponsorship. The league is currently funded through contributions from the organizers, which has been financially taxing. Moitoi appealed to the community for support, emphasizing the league’s success in nurturing talent, with some young women even being selected for the U17 Botswana team.
“I believe in women’s sports and sports in general, which has the power to unite and move nations. Women need to be part of the conversation and supported just as much as their male counterparts. It’s a long and hard road, but I believe we can grow the sport as a community. I invite any interested parties to join us on this journey,” Moitoi concluded.
