The Vultures, Botswana’s national rugby team’s focus is currently set on the Rugby Africa Cup qualifiers billed for this week in Morocco, where they will face some of the continent’s most formidable teams in a bid to have a chance to qualify for the World Rugby Cup.
Ahead of the tournament the team honed in on its preparations.
“We’ve been focusing on specific areas that needed attention,” explained assistant Coach Tshoganetso Katse. “Scrumming, line-outs, and back-three positioning have been at the forefront of our training. We’ve also placed a strong emphasis on improving overall fitness.” For Katse, these adjustments are critical to bridging the gap between Botswana and its larger, more experienced opponents from North and West Africa.
Fitness is central to the team’s strategy. Royal Mwale, another assistant coach, detailed their approach, “We’ve incorporated a range of fitness testing and added specialised sessions alongside field training. The goal is to push our players to peak condition, especially given the physical advantages some of our opponents possess.”
Team Manager Lynn Warburton described the squad as a balanced mix of seasoned national players and young talent stepping onto the international stage for the first time.
“It’s been inspiring to see how quickly the new players have adapted to team traditions and the structure. Their commitment and positivity have been unwavering,” she said. Yet, the path has not been without its hurdles. Warburton admitted, “We’ve had a few minor injuries along the way, but thanks to volunteer medics and a dedicated support team, we’ve been able to manage them effectively.”
Medical support has been a backbone of the preparation process, with individuals like Robert Mackenzie from Rescue One, Khumoetsile Ntwaetsile from the Botswana Defence Force, and Dr. Made Afata from Blessing Medical Centre offering their expertise free of charge. “These volunteers, along with our team doctor Aldrin Majaye and Temo Gilika from Fortified Health, have been incredible in ensuring our players are fit and ready,” Warburton noted.
Logistics have also posed significant challenges. Players are scattered across Maun, Ghanzi, Palapye, Jwaneng, and even outside the country, making training attendance a logistical and financial burden. “As this is an amateur sport, everyone involved, including the coaches and managers, juggles their work and personal commitments to make it work,” Warburton acknowledged. “We are grateful to the employers who’ve supported their staff in representing Botswana.”
Despite the obstacles, the team remains optimistic. “Our goal is to win the first match and to keep any losses within close margins,” said Katse. “We’ve learned a lot from previous matches, particularly regarding the physicality and game experience of other teams.”
Warburton appealed to supporters to rally behind the team. “Your encouragement means the world to these players. Every message, every prayer counts. We’re doing everything we can to make Botswana proud.”
As Botswana heads into the Rugby Africa Cup qualifiers, the team’s preparation and determination symbolise their dedication to the sport. While the road ahead is tough, their unity and resilience are a testament to their commitment to achieving success on an international stage.
