Botswana coach opts for local players ahead of tourney

Botswana national team coach Morena Ramoreboli has unveiled his preliminary squad ready to host a Four Nations Tournament from 23 to 31 March 2026.

The South African has released names of players called up for the Zebras camp training ahead of the invitational competition involving Zambia, Malawi and Zimbabwe national teams at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.

Who are notable faces in Botswana squad?

Morena Ramoreboli, who is smarting from a disappointing 2025 AFCON campaign, has opted for home-based players in the 47-member squad which he will trim going into the tournament.

The Zebras failed to win a single game at the Morocco tournament following defeats at the hands of Senegal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Benin in Group D.

Notable faces in the call up include goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko and defender Tebogo Kopekang, both from Jwaneng Galaxy FC.

Know participating teams in Four Nations Tournament

The Zebras coach’s decision to settle for players drawn from the FNB Premiership clubs is similar to the approach of his Malawian counterpart Kalisto Pasuwa.

However, coaches for Zambia and Zimbabwe have included some foreign-based stars in their squads for the AFCON warm-up.

Football associations for the four nations hatched the tournament idea to prepare their teams for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.