08 Nov 2023

Botswana senior national team, the Zebras reported for camp yesterday to prepare for two crucial upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Mozambique and Guinea.

 The two games will be played at Francistown’s Obed Itani Chilume Stadium on November 16 and 21 respectively.

Some football pundits are of the view that the 31-man squad announced by newly appointed coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa has what it takes to go all the way in the qualifiers, looking at the fact that it is made up of young and experienced players.

A look at the provisional squad suggests that the coach has an idea of local players, and he seems to be cognisant of what they can offer.

RB2 sport presenter, who closely monitors the national team, Solomon Kakuwa said it was evident that Da Rosa would play with mobile fullbacks that add numbers in offensive situations.

 “Motsholetsi Sikele, Alfred Velaphi, Benson Mangolo and Mothusi Johnson all have those qualities and you except to see them advance all the time,” he said.

Kakuwa observed that the goalkeeping department is another exciting area to look into as the coach brought back Kabelo Dambe into the team after a two-year absence from international football.

His view is that Thabo Motswagole is a young goalkeeper with a big heart and can be trusted, adding that Goitseone Phoko and Keagile Kgosipula were also exceptional players.

He said Da Rosa had called players who have been scoring goals for their clubs, amongst them Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Segolame Boy, Oarabile Sekwai, Thabo Maponda and Thabang Sesinyi, who are all in fine form.

Kakuwa said Da Costa had assembled an efficient and balanced team.

The Provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Goitseone Phoko (Jwaneng Galaxy), Thabo Motswagole (Gaborone United), Kabelo Dambe (Township Rollers), Keagile Kgosipula (Orapa United).

Defenders: Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Kaizer Chiefs), Tebogo Kopelang (Security Systems), Thato Kebue (Orapa United), Mosha Gaolaolwe and Motsholetsi Sikele (Township Rollers), Benson Mangolo (Jwaneng Galaxy), Alfred Velaphi and Mothusi Johnson (Gaborone United).

Midfielders: Lebogang Ditsele and Mothusi Cooper (Gaborone United), Gape Mohutsiwa (Aso Chlef), Godiraone Modingwane (BDF X1), Gilbert Baruti (Jwaneng Galaxy), Phenyo Serameng (Township Rollers), Tawana Mbakile (Security Systems), Koketso Majafi (Orapa United), Brandon Wilson (Hanoi FC), Olebogeng Ramotse (Masitaoka FC).

Strikers: Tumisang Orebonye (USMA Alger), Kabelo Seakanyeng (Khourigba OC), Mogakolodi Ngele and Segolame Boy (Township Rollers), Thatayaone Kgamanyane and Molaodi Tlhalefang (Gaborone United), Thabang Sesinyi (Jwaneng Galaxy) Thabo Maponda (Matebele FC), Oarabile Sekwai (Police X1). ENDS