Botswana have announced a 26-man squad for their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Uganda next month, with the Zebras preparing for two important fixtures against the Cranes.
The squad comprises three goalkeepers, eight defenders, seven midfielders and eight attackers, combining players from domestic clubs with professionals based overseas.
Botswana will be aiming to secure positive results in both matches as they pursue qualification for the continental tournament, while Uganda will also be seeking points to improve their position in the qualifying race.
The selection gives the Botswana coaching staff a group drawn from clubs at home and abroad as preparations begin for the two encounters.
The double-header is expected to test the Zebras’ ability to maintain defensive organisation while creating opportunities in attack. With both sides seeking to strengthen their qualification prospects, performances across the two games could prove important to their respective campaigns.
Botswana’s technical team will now concentrate on preparing the selected players, with fitness, tactical discipline and team cohesion among the key areas of focus.
The squad includes representatives from several Botswana clubs, including Gaborone United, Jwaneng Galaxy, Tonota FC and Mochudi Centre Chiefs. It also features players attached to teams in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Croatia and Saudi Arabia.
The mixture of domestic and foreign-based players is expected to provide Botswana with options across all areas of the pitch as they prepare to face Uganda.
Goalkeepers and defenders
Three goalkeepers have been selected: Goitseone Phoko of Siwele FC in South Africa, Thabo Motswagole of Gaborone United and Victor James of Zimbabwean side Caps United.
The defensive department contains eight players, including Mosha Gaolaolwe of Mochudi Centre Chiefs and Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who plays for Al-Wehdat SC.
Jwaneng Galaxy have three representatives in the backline through Tebogo Kopelang, Botsile Sakana and Chicco Molefe. Gaborone United are also represented by Alford Velaphi and Benson Mangolo, while Thato Mosweunyane of Tonota FC completes the defensive selection.
The defenders will be expected to help provide stability against a Uganda side that will also be looking to make the most of its opportunities in the two matches.
Seven midfielders selected
Botswana have named seven midfielders for the double-header, with players representing a range of domestic and overseas clubs.
The selection includes Godiraone Modingwane of BDF XI, Lebogang Ditsile of Gaborone United and Olebogeng Ramatse of Jwaneng Galaxy.
Gape Mohutsiwa, who plays for Moroccan club Ittihad Tanger, is also included alongside Gilbert Baruti of Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Omphile Ramoagi of Gaborone United and Mothusi Cooper of Tonota FC.
The midfield group will form an important part of Botswana’s preparations as the team seeks to balance attacking ambition with defensive responsibilities.
Eight attackers complete the squad
Eight forwards have been named, giving the Zebras a range of attacking options for their meetings with Uganda.
The group includes Losika Ratshukudu of Croatian club Bolepu and Tumisang Oreb onye, who plays for Hassania Union Sport d’Agadir in Morocco.
Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Thabo Maponda represent Gaborone United, while Thero Setsile plays for Tonota FC. Godfrey Tauyatswala of Jwaneng Galaxy, Odirile Lekoba of Enesia FC and Kabelo Seakanyeng of Saudi Arabian club Al Entsar FC complete the attacking selection.
The forwards will be tasked with helping Botswana turn their opportunities into goals against the Cranes.
Full Botswana squad for the Uganda double-header
Goalkeepers
- Goitseone Phoko — Siwele FC, South Africa
- Thabo Motswagole — Gaborone United
- Victor James — Caps United, Zimbabwe
Defenders
- Mosha Gaolaolwe — Mochudi Centre Chiefs
- Thatayaone Ditlhokwe — Al-Wehdat SC
- Tebogo Kopelang — Jwaneng Galaxy
- Botsile Sakana — Jwaneng Galaxy
- Alford Velaphi — Gaborone United
- Benson Mangolo — Gaborone United
- Chicco Molefe — Jwaneng Galaxy
- Thato Mosweunyane — Tonota FC
Midfielders
- Godiraone Modingwane — BDF XI
- Lebogang Ditsile — Gaborone United
- Olebogeng Ramatse — Jwaneng Galaxy
- Gape Mohutsiwa — Ittihad Tanger, Morocco
- Gilbert Baruti — Mochudi Centre Chiefs
- Omphile Ramoagi — Gaborone United
- Mothusi Cooper — Tonota FC
Attackers
- Losika Ratshukudu — Bolepu, Croatia
- Tumisang Oreb onye — Hassania Union Sport d’Agadir, Morocco
- Thatayaone Kgamanyane — Gaborone United
- Thero Setsile — Tonota FC
- Thabo Maponda — Gaborone United
- Godfrey Tauyatswala — Jwaneng Galaxy
- Odirile Lekoba — Enesia FC
- Kabelo Seakanyeng — Al Entsar FC, Saudi Arabia
With the squad now announced, Botswana will turn their attention to preparations for the two matches, hoping their blend of home-based talent and overseas experience can deliver the results needed in the race for AFCON qualification.
