Botswana’s Zebras coach Morena Ramoreboli has named five North Africa-based players in a bloated 49-member preliminary squad for next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
2026 World Cup Qualifying: Group G Table
Points | |
Algeria | 9 |
Mozambique | 9 |
Botswana | 6 |
Guinea | 6 |
Uganda | 6 |
Somalia | 0 |
The group winner qualifies for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Four of the nine second place teams qualify for a playoff, the winner of which advances to the intercontinental playoff.
The Zebras are preparing for a Group C game against Algeria on March 17 then Somalia seven days later. The group also comprises Mozambique, Guinea, and Uganda.
The former Jwaneng Galaxy coach has called up former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayone Ditlhokwe, now on the books of Al Ittihad in Libya alongside his team-mate Tumisang Orebonye.
Morocco-based striker Kabelo Seakanyeng (Magreb Fez FC), Gabe Mohutsiwa (ASO Chief, Algeria) and United Kingdom’s Fleetwood Town FC’s Motheo Flyod Mogapi complete the foreign-based legion in the squad.
The Zebras will begin preparations for the March qualifiers while aiming to secure a spot in the prestigious continental tournament.
The rest of the squad comprises home-based players drawn from well-known teams such as Township Rollers FC, Jwaneng Galaxy FC, and Orapa United.
Full Squad (from COSAFA's website)
Goalkeepers: Victor James (Jwaneng Galaxy), Keletso Lekuni (Sua Flamingos), Lesenya Malapela (Orapa United), Kabelo Maphakela (Township Rollers)
Defenders: Velaphi Alford (Gaborone United), Tshepang Boithatelo (Morapule Wanderers), Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Al Ittihad, Libya), Mosha Gaolaolwe (Township Rollers), Mothusi Johnson (Gaborone United), Tebogo Kopelang, Thabo Leinanyane (both Jwaneng Galaxy), Jackson Lesole, Benson Mangolo (both Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Kemoneetswe Mmangwadi (TAFIC), Motheo Mogapi (Fleetwood United, England), Shaun Philip, Joseph Rebaone (both TAFIC), Motsholetsi Sekele (Township Rollers)
Midfielders: Gilbert Baruti (Jwaneng Galaxy), Reneilwe Batlokwa (Maldon & Tiptree, England), Thero Bobi (Dinaledi Soccer Academy), Lebogang Ditsele (Gaborone United), Phillip Kaku (Township Rollers), Gofaone Mabaya, Koketso Majafi (both Orapa United), Godiraone Modingwane (Botswana Defence Force XI), Gape Mohutsiwa (ASO Chlef, Algeria), Samuel Mokgoro (Sua Flamingoes), Kamogelo Moloi (Orapa United), Gift Moyo (Jwaneng Galaxy), Karabo Phiri (Gaborone United), Theo Shadikong (TAFIC), Kabelo Thari (VTM)
Forwards: Segolame Boy (Township Rollers), Ronald Fortune (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Kgopolo Gaseleme (Extension Gunners), Omaatla Kebatho (Jwaneng Galaxy), Tshepo Keselebale (Security Systems), Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United), Thatayaone Nkwapa (TAFIC), Eric Ookame (Orapa United), Tumisang Orebonye (Al Ittihad, Libya), Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Township Rollers), Ngwako Ramokgathadi (Sua Flamingoes), Losika Ratshukudu (Ubuntu, South Africa), Kabelo Seakanyeng (Maghreb Fes, Morocco), Serati Semadi (Sua Flamingoes), Thabang Sesinyi, Thero Setsile (both Jwaneng Galaxy).
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