Latest news with #Mares
CAF
6 days ago
- General
- CAF
Alex Malete (Botswana): 'Our minimum target is the quarterfinals'
A former radio analyst, trained teacher and FIFA instructor, Alex Malete wants to make Botswana a serious contender Appointed head coach in 2023 after years as an assistant, he's brought a new level of discipline to the Mares' preparations Botswana will face Nigeria, Algeria and Tunisia in Group B of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 He no longer wants Botswana to be seen as mere participants. At just 35 years old, Alex Basimanebotlhe Malete is determined to shake up the hierarchy of African women's football. He's not just dreaming he's planning. He's not there to take part he's there to compete, to be seen, to break through barriers. Promoted to head coach of the Mares in 2023 after several years behind the scenes as assistant coach, Malete wasted no time in making his presence felt. Gone are the days of half-hearted preparations and excuses around lack of experience. Under his leadership, everyday matters, every session is carefully planned, every friendly is treated as a proper test. 'Not reaching the quarterfinals would be unacceptable,' he states clear-eyed but ambitious. And it's not just talk. Despite his youth, Malete speaks from experience. He knows this team inside out, having been part of it for years. He started off as 'just' the assistant. Now, he's the one in charge. And his unconventional background is his greatest asset: a former radio analyst who turned his attention to the pitch, a qualified teacher and a passionate FIFA instructor focused on youth development he represents a new wave of African coaches. With a clear approach, a youth-focused strategy and a bold message, he's determined to do better than in 2022, when Botswana surprised many by reaching the quarterfinals before falling to Morocco (2-1). But this time, the element of surprise is gone. Malete is open about his goal: he wants to make his team one of the continent's powerhouses. As the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 approaches, the team enters a critical phase of preparation. Under Alex Malete, Botswana moves forward with method and ambition no longer just to participate, but to make an impact. How would you assess your team's preparation for this TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON? Alex Malete: I'd say we're in the final stages of our preparation. We're starting our camp today, and we're waiting for all the players to join us. The good news is that one of our players, who was out for the whole of last year due to injury, is finally back. That's a big plus for us. Starting today, we'll focus on our next two matches against South Africa and Zambia. These two international friendlies will help us assess our current level. In terms of fitness, we know most of our players are not yet where they should be. In 2022, during your first appearance, Botswana reached the quarterfinals. What lessons have you taken from that experience? We learnt a great deal. It was a first for everyone the players, the technical staff, the federation. One key lesson was around how we handled conceding goals, and especially the mental preparation of the players, particularly when facing teams like Nigeria. You could sense even before kick-off that mentally, we weren't ready for them. Since then, we've grown. I believe we're better equipped now to compete without being overawed by the occasion. We've faced high-level teams. In the upcoming FIFA window, we'll play Zambia and South Africa. In the past, we've played Tunisia (who are in our group), Mali, Morocco, and even Russia. These matches have helped us progress, both in terms of our game and our results. There's another key difference: during our first campaign, we only did one fitness test before the tournament. This time, we're doing two. We did the ALIA physical evaluation in January, and we'll do another right before the competition to tailor the training for each player's needs. This time, Botswana is in Group B with Nigeria, Tunisia and Algeria. What's your take on this group? All the groups are tough in my opinion. There's no easy group. If you look at Group A, it's even more competitive because it includes the host nation. Group C has the defending champions. In Group B, like last time, we've got Nigeria again. Nigeria's playing style is very different from Algeria or Tunisia. The latter two are very tactical, whereas Nigeria combines physical power with tactical discipline. So, we've prepared to face both types of opponents. Now we need to find a way to qualify for the next round. Let's talk a bit about you. You were a journalist before becoming a coach. How has that past experience helped in your coaching career? It's helped a lot. I started out in radio as an analyst. Then I moved into print and TV, which gave me the chance to observe and analyse matches, systems, team dynamics... It gave me a broader perspective on football, beyond the emotion of the pitch. As a journalist, you learn to ask the right questions and see things others might miss. That's helped me develop a critical eye, which is valuable now in evaluating our performances, preparing for matches, and even managing the group. I believe that this unique journey is one of my strengths as a coach today. How do you work to build a bridge between youth categories and the senior national team? We rely mainly on our youth national teams. Over the past year, we've integrated several players from the U20 squad. It's harder with the U17s, because they still have their own camps and are mostly in school. Balancing school, junior competitions, and the senior team is tough for them. But with the U20s, many are no longer studying, which makes things easier. As soon as we spot promising talent, we do everything we can to bring them into the senior team. Even if they don't play much at first, they get to learn about the environment, the culture, and the expectations. It's all part of preparing for the future. In your view, what would constitute a successful TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON for Botswana? A successful campaign would be reaching at least the quarterfinals. From there, we can start dreaming about the semi-finals. But honestly, not making it out of the group stage would be a failure for us. The goal is clear: to get to the quarters at minimum. Do you think this tournament could be a steppingstone to more international recognition for your players? Absolutely I truly believe that. The difference between us and countries like South Africa is that most of their players are in professional leagues. Why? Because they regularly play in CAF competitions, FIFA tournaments and the Olympics. For us, this second WAFCON appearance is a golden opportunity. It puts our players on the radar of scouts and professional clubs. The more girls we have playing professionally, the stronger our national team becomes. This tournament offers real exposure. If we do well, as we hope to, it could open many doors for our players. Final question, coach. What message would you give to a young African girl who dreams of becoming a footballer? My message is simple: your dreams are valid. A young African girl can make it in football. The examples are there: Barbara Banda is shining at the highest level. The Chawinga sisters from Malawi are playing in top leagues. Across North and West Africa, many others are succeeding too. And to parents and society at large, I'd say: let's change the perception that football is only for men. Football is for everyone.
CAF
7 days ago
- General
- CAF
Women's AFCON 2024: Team Profile
Published: Tuesday, 03 June 2025 How the Team Qualified Botswana secured their place at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2024 following a solid qualifying campaign. After progressing past the first round, the Mares faced Kenya in a high-stakes regional encounter in the second and final qualifying round. The first leg, played in Francistown, ended in a 1–1 draw. In the return leg, Basimanebotlhe Malete's side clinched a crucial 1–0 victory to book their spot at the finals. Tournament History Botswana made their TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2022, reaching the quarterfinals where they narrowly lost 2–1 to hosts Morocco. That year also marked their first-ever win at the tournament through a 4–2 victory over Burundi. Players to Watch Refilwe Tholakele A powerful and intelligent forward, Tholakele has proven to be deadly in front of goal for the Mares. A product of Botswana's Double Action club, she took a major step in her career by joining South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns in 2023. Her impact was immediate: she finished as top scorer at the 2023 CAF Women's Champions League with five goals and was one of the standout revelations of the tournament. Quick, well positioned, and strong in one-on-one situations, Tholakele is also known for her relentless pressing and ability to hold up play. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija A goalkeeper known for her reassuring presence, excellent reading of the game and impressive reflexes on her line. Sedilame Maitumelo Bosija has good footwork and knows how to distribute the ball efficiently and quickly, making her an asset in offensive transitions. Her ability to communicate effectively with her defence strengthens the solidity of her defensive unit. Despite a serious knee injury, she has shown great resilience and exemplary determination. A natural leader, she embodies professionalism and remains a role model for the new generation of Botswana's goalkeepers. Head Coach Basimanebotlhe Alex Malete has been at the helm of the Botswana women's team since 2023. He brings a modern tactical approach, with a strong emphasis on defensive organisation and detailed performance analysis. Holding a CAF B coaching licence and an advanced certification in tactical analysis, Malete integrates post-match review sessions into the team's routine, breaking down entire matches to identify key moments and improve collective decision-making. Aims and Group Analysis Botswana will be looking to better their 2022 quarter-final run. Their 2024 group is a challenging one, featuring Nigeria, Tunisia, and Algeria. However, they're banking on their defensive discipline and the sharpness of their front three to potentially cause an upset. As underdogs, the Mares may benefit from being under the radar provided they maintain a consistently high level of focus and intensity throughout the group stage.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
Clovis police arrest and charge man with operating a chop shop
CLOVIS, N.M. (KRQE) — A man was arrested in Clovis after police recovered $200,000 worth of stolen vehicles from an alleged chop shop. Albert Mares, 57, is facing several charges, including one count of operating a chop shop, according to the Clovis Police Department. Judge denies motion to dismiss charges for man accused of assault at Albuquerque McDonald's On Monday at about 9:30 a.m., detectives noticed a newer model Dodge Ram truck parked at 523 Rencher Street. The vehicle's VIN returned to a 2019 Dodge Ram Big Horn edition truck. Detectives spoke with Mares, who allowed them to take a look at the vehicle. A secondary VIN was located. Upon being run, it returned a vehicle reportedly stolen from Bender Doge on Sept. 3, 2024. At nearby Marez Automotive Service, detectives noticed another truck on a lift. The New Mexico license plate returned no results when it was run by detectives, and the VIN did not correspond with the secondary VIN. A search warrant was then carried out at the first Rencher Street location and Marez Automotive Services. Authorities seized three stolen trucks. 'The VINs on the driver's door pillar and dash for the three trucks were altered, but secondary VINs properly identified the vehicles as having been reported stolen,' Clovis police said in a news release. 'The vehicles with altered VINs were registered to Albert Mares.' The three vehicles recovered by detectives were valued at over $200,000. A burned vehicle recovered in Texas with reported association to Mares was worth about $50,000. Mares has been charged with the following: Operating a chop shop Four counts of receiving or transferring stolen vehicles or motor vehicles Four counts of altering or changing engine or other numbers Four counts of forgery Two counts of conspiracy Mares was taken to Curry County Adult Detention Center without incident. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Skift
08-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Saudi's Boutique Group CEO Targets 2026 for First Luxury Palace Hotel
The group has yet to open a hotel, but the new CEO says he's confident in the rollout plan. Boutique Group, the Saudi hospitality brand focused on converting historic palaces into luxury hotels, plans to open its first property — the Red Palace in Riyadh — in early 2026, with additional openings scheduled through 2030. The kingdom's crown prince launched Boutique Group in 2022, and it is part of the country's Public Investment Fund. Three years in, the group has yet to open a hotel, but new CEO Christoph Mares says he's confident in the rollout. 'The last six months have been very focused on getting the Red Palace [in capital city Riyadh] structured for opening,' Mares told Skift at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai last week. 'We will be ready by early Q2 2026 to open the first palace, I'm confident.' Another site — the 'Japanese Palace' in Jeddah — will open in late 2026. Two more historic sites will follow in late 2027 and early 2028: Al Hamra Palace in Jeddah with 77 keys and Tuwaiq Palace in Riyadh with 96 keys. All properties will include extensive wellness areas and multiple restaurants. These four properties make up phase one of Boutique Group's plan. 'The shareholders are expecting a level above Mandarin Oriental — potentially in the range of Cheval Blanc, Aman, that sort of bracket,' Mares said. 'Our hotels will be relatively small in key count, but the palaces themselves are enormous.' U.S. Business Will Be 'Crucial' One big issue: Will there be enough demand for more 5-star accommodations? In addition, Skift has reported that Saudi has too many high-end hotels in development and not enough in the mid-tier range. For now, most of Saudi's tourism has been domestic: The Saudi Minister of Tourism has said it had 30 million international tourists last year, out of a total of 127 million. The goal is for 70 million international tourists by 2030. But Mares, who until January was COO at Mandarin Oriental, said there's a strong international appetite for experiencing Saudi heritage. "If one truly wants to discover Saudi and where it originates, we'll find our market. At the top end of the market, for international travelers, to have heritage, culture and luxury in one place, no doubt it will have a following." Aman also has five projects in the pipeline across Saudi Arabia, including sites in AlUla and Diriyah Gate. Mares also pointed to which markets Boutique Group would target. 'The Saudi market will be a key pillar for us, followed closely by the GCC, and then internationally. We see strong potential in Asia with the help of Riyadh Air," he said, referring to the new airline set to launch later this year. "Europe already has a strong following for the Gulf, and we can build on that.' He believes the U.S. will be a core market, despite Riyadh being a 12-hour flight from New York and lacking direct West Coast connections — something Riyadh Air hopes to address. 'It's very critical how we make the entry into the U.S. — through Virtuoso, through American Express, and so on. It's the largest luxury travel market in the world. 5% of a very large market is better than 10% of a very small one. The critical mass is substantial. And don't forget the number of U.S. expats living in the Gulf.' 'No Cutbacks, No Delays' Mares' predecessor, Mark DeCocinis, said in 2023 that the first palace would open in 2025. Mares said Boutique Group hasn't faced delays and isn't seeing signs of budget cuts. 'We have our finance plan, our budgets approved, and construction is on time. It's a tight schedule for opening, but a realistic one. Every week will count," he said. 'We've had no cutbacks, no changes, none whatsoever. No delays, no requests to slow down. Everything is full steam ahead for the first palace in Q2 next year.' Phase 2 Growth Plans After the first four properties open, phase two will begin. "We'll have a portfolio together by 2030 for sure - there are other palaces under consideration which we are evaluating. Those are all in Saudi. We have Medinah, Makkah, Taif, so many destinations one could consider where there are unused palaces." "I see myself in Boutique Group for the duration, into phase two. We're considering branded residences and international management agreements for other palaces. We're evaluating if we should do that. We've had a few approaches." What am I looking at? The performance of hotels and short-term rental sector stocks within the ST200. The index includes companies publicly traded across global markets, including international and regional hotel brands, hotel REITs, hotel management companies, alternative accommodations, and timeshares. The Skift Travel 200 (ST200) combines the financial performance of nearly 200 travel companies worth more than a trillion dollars into a single number. See more hotels and short-term rental financial sector performance. Read the full methodology behind the Skift Travel 200.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Yahoo
No arrests yet in fatal robbery at Value Mart
No arrests had been made Monday afternoon in the search for the person who killed an employee and injured a customer during a robbery at the Value Mart southeast of Sanford, according to the Harnett County Sheriff's Office. It happened Saturday at the store located in the 5200 block of N.C. 87 North at the intersection with Swann Station and Broadway roads at the Harnett-Lee county line. Harnett County deputies responded to a call at 11:16 a.m. Upon arrival they found Alfredo Escalona Mares, 50, a store employee, deceased inside the business, a Sheriff's Office release said. Investigators say that a black man whose face was covered came into the store across from the Dollar General store and Hardee's fast-food restaurant. The man was armed with a weapon and demanded money, the release said. During the incident, Mares was shot and a customer in the store was assaulted. The customer, who is not being identified, was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening, the release said. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office using the Tip Line at 910-893-0300 or use the P3Tips app.
