Escape from Equatorial Guinea

It is their first experience of playing outside the country and their struggles to adapt in a foreign land could be the cause of their grievances. When contacted for an insight on the matter, Township Rollers Public Relations Officer Phempheretlhe Pheto admitted that they were aware of the two players’ concerns but was quick to point out that they are not aware of their return to Botswana. “We have heard those reports, but although it was not for us to intervene we contacted the Malambo president but he told us that he was not aware of their displeasure. “Some officials at BFA ( Botswana Football Association) and parents have also been engaged but honestly there were no clear reasons to suggest that their contracts should be terminated,” Pheto shared.

Tholakela and Mochawe made their debut last month as they helped Malabo to retain their domestic league title. The team participated in the Central African Football Federation’s Union ( UNIFFAC) Champions League qualifiers held in Equatorial Guinea but their dream to play in the Champions League was shattered as their side was knocked out in the semi- finals by AS AWA FC of Cameroon. This is not the first time local girls have reported issues of ill- treatment in foreign countries. Lone Gaofetoge and Warona Malete also had short stints in Zambia before FUB intervened to help them terminate their contracts citing similar challenges to Mochawe and Tholakele’s. Thanda Mokagabo, Zambia and Sedilame Bosija, South Africa are the two local ladies who are plying their trade in the African continent. There has been calls by some officials in local women football for thorough checks to be done prior to securing places for local players, especially within the African continent to avoid similar cases.