Women’s football in Botswana is gaining ground, but a shortage of funding could put the brakes on its progress. Clubs need more sponsorship, better infrastructure and suitable places to play, says Botswana Football Association (BFA) Head of Women’s Football Tsholofelo Setlhoko.
The launch of Botswana’s first Women’s National First Division earlier this year marked a significant step forward. The 20-team competition is divided between the north and south, giving more clubs a structured platform and players more chances to compete regularly. But Setlhoko says sustaining that progress will require clubs to secure the resources they need to grow.
She was among BFA officials who met with representatives of the African Club Association (ACA) during the organisation’s recent visit to Botswana. The ACA aims to represent and promote football clubs across the continent. Its visit explored ways to support clubs and encouraged them to join the association, which operates independently of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“During recent years in Botswana, we’ve seen the development of women’s football and the growth of our clubs,” Setlhoko told WeekendSport. “As we speak, this year we have introduced our First Division with 20 teams, 10 in the north and 10 in the south. So you can see there is so much growth, but we are still facing a couple of challenges in terms of sponsorships for the clubs, challenges of infrastructure, and the development of where the women are playing.”
A larger league brings more opportunities, but it also raises the costs of running a club. Teams need funding for transport, equipment, coaching, facilities and player welfare. Without dependable backing, clubs may find it difficult to meet those needs week after week – and the new competition could struggle to deliver its full promise.
Setlhoko sees the ACA as a potential ally. By bringing clubs together and giving them a stronger collective voice, the association could help women’s teams connect with wider football networks and pursue new opportunities for support, visibility and commercial growth. Its work includes women’s football, including clubs competing in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Setlhoko was appointed a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert in May 2025. The role places her close to both Botswana’s domestic development and the wider international effort to grow the women’s game. For Botswana, the task now is to build on the momentum of the new division and give players and clubs a more secure foundation.
Exposure can raise the bar
Regional competition offers another route to growth. BFA president Tariq Babitseng, who also leads the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA), has discussed the possibility of creating a regional men’s club tournament. Women’s football already has a regional club competition, giving teams a chance to test themselves beyond their domestic leagues.
Setlhoko believes those opportunities matter. Competing against teams with different styles can sharpen players’ skills, raise the standard of play and help clubs see where they need to improve. Regional tournaments can also give teams greater visibility and open the door to further opportunities.
GU ladies set the example
Botswana has already shown it can produce a team capable of reaching the continental stage. Gaborone United Ladies represented the COSAFA region at last year’s CAF Women’s Champions League, showcasing the progress made in the country’s women’s football structures.
The team’s campaign offered valuable experience and showed that Botswana clubs can compete beyond their home league. Setlhoko hopes initiatives such as the ACA’s outreach to clubs can build on that achievement – and help more women’s teams take the next step.
