News

Bright announces Angola squad

Sep 5, 2018

The Senior Men’s National Team (The Zebras) Head Coach Major David Bright this afternoon released a 20-man squad that will do battle with the Palancas Negras of Angola in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019 qualifying clash on Sunday.

The Zebras head into the encounter in the backdrop of a qualifier opening day loss to Mauritania and they will be looking to kick start their campaign against an Angola side aiming to book a spot at the finals for the first time since their first round exit at the finals in 2013.

Major Bright’s team which held a training match thus morning against Foreigners 11, which they won 3-2 believes that the team has vast experience in AFCON and other African competitions and he is hopeful of a positive result cum Sunday afternoon at the Estádio 11 de Novembro (November 11th Stadium).

Team captain Simisani Mathumo lamented the team’s need for a strong showing and points following the opening loss at home to Mauritania, “We are in need of points and both teams a without points in the group” said Mathumo.

The team is comprised of 7 international players and 13 locally based players who Major Bright feels are up to the task against an Angolan side boasting of 5 Portuguese second tear players, “We have a good chance to proceed in the group, we just have to manage our games well”.

Zebras Team to face Angola:

Goalkeepers:

Kabelo Dambe Bloemfontein Celtic (SA)
Mwampole Masule Township Rollers

Defenders:

Tshepo Maikano Gaborone United
Lopang Mosige Orapa United
Simisani Mathumo (C) Township Rollers
Lesego Keredilwe Orapa United
Lesenya Ramoraka Highlands Park (SA)
Thatayone Ditlhokwe Township Rollers
Mosha Gaolaolwe Township Rollers
Thero Setsile Jwaneng Galaxy

Midfielders:

Lebogang Ditsele Jwaneng Galaxy
Alphose Modisaotsile Gaborone United
Lemponye Tshireletso Township Rollers
Kabelo Seakanyeng Chippa United (SA)
Mpho Kgaswane Baroka FC (SA)
Thatayaone Kgamanyane Chippa United (SA)
Mogakolodi Ngele Mamelodi Sundowns (SA)
Motsholetsi Sikele Township Rollers

Strikers:

Onkabetse Makgantai Baroka FC (SA)
Tumisang Orebonye Township Rollers

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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.

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South Africa 3–2 Botswana

Botswana 1–1 Zambia

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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.