Gaborone United Ladies have made history by winning the Cosafa Women’s Champions League Cup, becoming the first Botswana team to do so. Led by coach William Monene and star striker Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, they are set to compete in the CAF Champions League, marking a significant milestone for Botswana football.
In a nation celebrated for its sporting prowess, particularly after Letsile Tebogo's triumph at the Paris Olympics, a new beacon of hope has emerged: Gaborone United Ladies. This football team has etched its name in Botswana's history by clinching the Cosafa Women’s Champions League Cup, a feat no other team in the country has achieved before. This victory not only marks a monumental milestone for the club but also secures their participation in the prestigious CAF Champions League, further amplifying Botswana's presence on the global football arena.
The journey to the Cosafa Women’s Champions League Cup was paved with determination and resilience. Gaborone United Ladies faced formidable opponents, including the Zambian side Zesco Ndola Girls, in a nail-biting final that ended in a 1-1 draw. The tension was palpable as the match proceeded to penalties, where Gaborone United Ladies emerged victorious with a 4-3 score, igniting celebrations across the nation.
"It’s a great achievement for the whole country," William Monene, the coach of United Ladies, expressed with pride. "It is our first major cup. No other team, whether it’s age group or senior, at club or national level, has managed to bring a cup home." Monene's words encapsulate the significance of this win, highlighting the team's pioneering role in Botswana's football history.
Gaborone United Ladies' success story is not an overnight phenomenon. Their rise through the ranks has been nothing short of meteoric. After earning promotion to the first division in 2023, they quickly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, finishing second in their debut year. In 2024, they clinched the Botswana Women’s Championship, setting the stage for an even more ambitious 2025 season.
"Last year we had one draw in the league and our scoring statistics were not that superb," Monene reflected. "This time around, we sat down and said, let’s see how we can improve the statistics. After the end of this league, we found that we broke all the records." This commitment to continuous improvement underscores the team's unwavering pursuit of excellence.
In the 2025 league season, Gaborone United Ladies displayed unparalleled dominance, winning all 14 of their fixtures and amassing an impressive 61 goals while conceding only three. Their attacking prowess extended to the CAF Champions League qualifiers, where they scored 11 goals in the group stage and four in the knockouts, surpassing even the previous CAF Champions League winners, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Leading the charge in their attacking endeavors is Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse, a striker whose technical abilities have been instrumental to the team's success. "She’s one player whose technical abilities are very, very good so she can score from head to toe," Monene praised. "She has speed, she has aggression and is a good finisher." Ontlametse's contributions have been pivotal in Gaborone United Ladies' triumphs.
However, Monene acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead as they prepare for the CAF Champions League. The competition will be fierce, with formidable opponents such as TP Mazembe, AS FAR, USFAS Bamako, and ASEC Mimosas vying for the title. Monene emphasizes the need for Ontlametse to adapt her game, particularly in matches where defensive duties take precedence. "One thing she should improve is that she’s a player that doesn’t want to play without the ball," Monene noted.
Ontlametse embraces the challenge, affirming her willingness to make the necessary adjustments for the team's success. "I enjoy attacking football but I also understand that at the highest level you must adapt," she stated. "In the Champions League, games are more tactical and if that means sacrificing a bit of my attacking freedom for the good of the team, I am ready." Her adaptability and team-oriented mindset reflect the collective spirit of Gaborone United Ladies.
The team's unity and determination are further evidenced by their remarkable unbeaten streak, which has lasted for over a year. Their last defeat occurred at the 2024 CAF Champions League Cosafa qualifiers, where they narrowly lost in a penalty shootout against the University of the Western Cape. "We were just so close then," Monene recalled.
Monene's journey to success has been marked by perseverance and dedication. In 2023, he led Double Action Ladies to the final of the CAF Champions League Cosafa qualifiers, where they were defeated by Mamelodi Sundowns. "It was bound to happen that I would win one," Monene reflected, highlighting his unwavering belief in his abilities.
Beyond his role at United Ladies, Monene is also committed to developing young talent through his Future Stars Academy, which has produced numerous players for the Botswana men’s Premier League. His passion for development underscores his holistic approach to football.
Gaborone United's commitment extends to providing structured player salaries and incentives, marking a transition from a purely amateur setup. "We have moved away from a purely amateur setup to one that provides structured player salaries and incentives," Owe Mmolawa, the club’s general manager, explained. "We are not yet at the level of the continent’s biggest clubs but we are about scaling up sustainably each year."
With a population of over 2.5 million, Botswana may be relatively small in size, but its sporting achievements far outweigh its geographical footprint. The national women’s side has made significant strides, while the men’s team is set to appear at the continental showpiece for the first time since 2012. Gaborone United Ladies' participation in the CAF Champions League further solidifies Botswana's position on the world footballing map, inspiring a new generation of athletes and football enthusiasts.