18 Jun 2024

The senior national team, the Zebras, is in camp ahead of the COSAFA Cup billed for Durban, South Africa from June 26 to July 7. 

In Group A, Botswana has been pitted against the hosts South Africa, eSwatini and Mozambique in the COSAFA draw conducted last week. 

Group B has Zambia, Comoros, Zimbabwe and another nation to be to be confirmed, while Group C has Angola, Namibia, Lesotho and Seychelles. 

Talking about the COSAFA preparations, Zebras coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa said in an interview that they went into camp on Monday in preparation for the COSAFA tournament.

He added that the time in camp would help him to assess the new and young players. 

Twenty-six players are in camp, but only 23 will travel to Durban.

Da Rosa said they would have a friendly match on Friday to assess all the players. 

He said the friendly game would also help them to improve their tactical system, adding that they were drawn into a very tough group, hence it is important to come up with a good game plan for them to advance to the next stage. 

Da Rosa said despite aiming to go to the next stage, his target was to give young players a run in the tournament, as that would also help him to identify future players that would fit in the Zebras squad. 

He said there were AFCON qualifiers coming and the expectation was that some players would want to be part of the team. 

“At the same time as a coach the target is also to win matches and go far with the tournament. 

You see, we want to develop, win and identify players; that’s our aim at this year’s COSAFA edition,” he said. 

Furthermore, he said although he would be travelling with a young team, he was confident that they would deliver their A game, although some of them might be under pressure to impress. 

“I hope everyone will be committed; we have to go to the COSAFA Cup with a lot of ambition and be disciplined, and I am very happy to play this tournament with future players,” he said. 

Provisional List 

Goalkeepers: 

Victor James (Masitaoka)

Jovan Nikolic (Portugal)

Kenneth Mmoko (Sua Flamingoes) 

Karamelo Kgosipula (Matebele) 

Defenders: 

Thabo Nico Babutsi (Township Rollers) 

Tebogo Kopelang (Security Systems)

Obakeng Senono (Masitaoka)

Bonno Sepako (UB Hawks)

Leruo Ratlala (Gaborone United)

Botsile Sakana (Masitaoka), 

Benson Mangolo (Ihefu Tanzania)

Atamelang Lesogo (Orapa United)

Midfielders: 

Shaun Theron (Jwaneng Young Stars)

Olebogeng Ramotse (Masitaoka), 

Ricky Ratlhogo

Gape Thibedi (Orapa United)

Boniface Ramolale

Obakeng Ramotlhwa (Masitaoka), 

Tawana Mbakile (Security System)

Ofentse Mbaiwa (Eleven Angels) 

Attackers: 

Oarabile Sekwai (Police XI)

Tshepo Keselebale (Security System)

Molaodi Tlhalefang (Gaborone United)

Eric Ookame (Orapa United)Thabiso Bante (TAFIC)

Lizo Skweyiya (USA) 

Bame Morwalela (Sua Flamingoes). Ends