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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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BOTSWANA U-20 WOMEN EXIT WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS WITH PRIDE AFTER HOME VICTORY

The Botswana U-20 Women’s National Team bowed out of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers 2026 on a positive note after securing a 1–0 victory over Cameroon U-20 Women’s National Team this past weekend, despite a 5–1 aggregate defeat.

Having suffered a heavy 5–0 loss in the first leg played on 7 February 2026 at Olembe Stadium in Cameroon, the Young Mares showed resilience and determination in the return leg at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium.

Forward Mbapeua Hangara scored the decisive goal in the second half, giving Botswana a deserved win in front of their home supporters and demonstrating the team’s fighting spirit until the final whistle.

Head coach Tapaphiwa Tracey Gaebolae expressed pride in her players performance and attitude, emphasizing the positive response after the first-leg setback.

“We are very proud of the girls. Even though we didn’t get the result we wanted in Cameroon, we came here with a positive mindset. The message to the team was that we needed to score more goals, stay organized, and believe in ourselves and I think the players responded very well.” Coach Gaebolae alluded at the post match Technical press conference.

Despite exiting the competition, the Young Mares leave the qualifiers with valuable international experience and renewed confidence, highlighting the growth and potential of women’s football in Botswana.