FIFA WC Qualifier: One PSL-based player in Botswana’s squad

Botswana’s senior national football team coach Morena Ramoreboli has named one South Africa-based player in a 27-member squad for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The South African mentor unveiled the squad on Tuesday ahead of the trip to Algeria for a Group G game on September 4 2025. The Zebras will then travel to Mozambique four days later.

When the coach announced the squad before the press, one could notice that the bulk of the squad is home-based.

Yet, not too long ago, South Africa’s Premier Soccer League stars such as Dipsy Selolwane, Mogakolodi Ngele, Mogogi Gabonamong, Joel Mogorosi, Phenyo Mongala used to dominate the Zebras’ squad.

However, few national teams from Southern Africa are exporting players to the Betway Premiership, which is considered the dream destination for most African players.

This is also reflected in Botswana’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers. Richards Bay FC’s defender Benson Mangolo is the only South Africa-based player in the squad.

Notable absentee in the squad is former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe.

Commenting on his squad selection, Ramoreboli said he left out some players who are injured and had called up others for them to learn from the seasoned colleagues in the team.

“We are preparing and we are trying our level best so that we reach the mandate to give a very good performance. When there are targets and goals set for you, make sure you plan properly and achieve the aim,” the coach said.

Botswana lie in second place in the group, three points behind the leaders Algeria.

Full Zebras’ squad is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS

Goitseone Phoko (Jwaneng Galaxy)

Keagile Kgosipula (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)

Kabelo Dambe (Township Rollers)

DEFENDERS

Alford Velaphi & Mothusi Johnson (Gaborone United)

Botsile Sakana (Orapa United)

Benson Mangolo (Richards Bay FC, South Africa)

Tebogo Kopelang & Thabo Leinanyane (Jwaneng Galaxy)

Mosha Gaolalwe (Township Rollers)

Shanganani Nganda (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)

Thabo Leinanyana (Jwaneng Galaxy)

MIDFIELDERS

Gabe Mohutsiwa (Mouloudia Club D’Oran)

Mothusi Copper (Township Rollers)

Lebogang Ditsele (Gaborone United)

Phenyo Serameng (Sua Flamingoes)

Karabo Phiri & Mpho Kgaswane (Gaborone United)

Gilbert Baruti (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)

Thabelo Babedi (BDF XI)

FORWARDS

Tumisang Orebonye (Al-Ittihad, Libya)

Segolame Boy& Serati Semadi (Sua Flamingoes)

Thabo Maponda & Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United)

Thero Setsile & Thabang Sesinyi (Jwaneng Galaxy)

Theo Shadikong (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)