News

Ramoreboli Names Final Zebras Squad For World Cup Qualifiers

Mar 14, 2025

The Botswana national football team, “The Zebras”, are gearing up for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with head coach Morena Ramoreboli announcing his final 26-man squad ahead of the crucial fixtures against Algeria and Somalia.

The Zebras will continue their journey towards securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two important matches scheduled for later this month. They will face Algeria on March 21, 2025, followed by a clash with Somalia on March 25, 2025.

Ramoreboli had previously named an expanded provisional squad of 49 players last month as part of his preparations for the World Cup qualifiers. This final selection brings the squad down to 26 players, who will now look to deliver on the road to the World Cup Finals, to be held next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Among the notable inclusions in the squad are Theo Shadikong, a midfielder from TAFIC, and Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi, a defender also from TAFIC. Both players are receiving their first call-ups to the senior team. Another exciting addition is Reneilwe Batlokwa, a midfielder who plays in England for Maldo and Tiptree.

With these fresh faces, Ramoreboli’s squad brings a blend of experience and new talent, as Botswana aims to build momentum in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The final 26-man squad is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS

Lesenya Malapela

Kabelo Maphakela

Goitseone Phoko

DEFENDERS

Alford Velaphi

Kitso Mangolo

Mothusi Johnson

Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi

Thabo Leinanyane

Tebogo Kopelang

Mosha Gaolalwe

Thatayaone Ditlhokwe

MIDFIELDERS

Gift Moyo

Gilbert Baruti

Lebogang Ditsile

Godiraone Modingwane

Koketso Majafi

Gape Mohutsiwa

Reneilwe Batlokwa

Theo Shadikong

FORWARDS

Segolame Boy

Tshepo Kelebale

Kabelo Seakanyeng

Thero Setsile

Thabang Sesinyi

Godfrey Tauyatswala

Tumisang Orebonye

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Development

The Mares Display Heart In Tri Nations Challenge

Botswana’s senior women’s national football team recently concluded their campaign in the prestigious Three Nations Challenge, hosted by South Africa from 28 May to 3 June at the Lucas Moripe Stadium. The series saw spirited competition between Botswana, South Africa, and Zambia, as teams continued their preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

Despite narrowly missing out on the top prize, Botswana showed immense character and growth throughout the tournament. The Mares kicked off their campaign with a thrilling encounter against the African champions South Africa, narrowly going down 3-2 in a tightly contested match. The team bounced back with a determined performance against Zambia, securing a 1-1 draw and demonstrating resilience and tactical discipline.

Final Tournament Results:

South Africa 3–2 Botswana

Botswana 1–1 Zambia

South Africa 2–0 Zambia

South Africa’s Banyana Banyana were ultimately crowned champions of the series, winning both of their matches to take the top spot. The tournament offered valuable game time and experience for all participating nations, and Botswana’s technical team, led by Head Coach Alex Malete, will take key insights from these fixtures as they refine the squad for the crucial WAFCON fianals.