21 Nov 2024

Some jubiliant diehard supporters of the Botswana senior national football team, the Zebras, warmly received the side as it landed at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (SSKIA) on November 20 from their last AFCON qualifier against Egypt.

The Zebras were embraced with a hero’s welcome as they returned with a change in the AFCON’s history books by qualifying for the second time, since 2012, to the 2025 AFCON finals to be held in Morocco.

Under the tutelage of the interim head coach, Morena Ramoreboli, they managed to hold the Pharoahs, as Egypt is called, to a 1-1 draw at their home ground, completing one of the goals within their mission, which was to get a win or draw to get into the final 24 teams in the 2025 AFCON.

As usual, the Zebras fans ushered them with songs, ululations, whistling, dances, roaring of vuvuzelas as some kept on swaying the national flags ceaselessly.

A motorcade was set from SSKIA to the National Stadium to share the celebration with a handful of fans who gathered at the stadium for a brief festivity.

Amid the fans was Kangangwani Mogocha, popularly known as  Dr Vom, who lightened up the celebrations with his all-time classical hit ‘Tsaya thobane.’

In an interview with BOPA, Dr Vom said he was over the moon as the Zebras repeated what they did in 2012.

He said most Batswana were so delighted about the Zebras achievement and are willing to watch the team at AFCON.

Dr Vom advised those who are holding the reigns in local football to open up a fans’ savings account, where the fans should start saving for the journey to Morocco for an arranged trip.

One of the supporters, Tokana Molebatsi from Gabane, an elder who also sells the national colours merchandise,  could not hide his excitement.

“I’m not surprised for today’s celebrations for I have followed the team in their last game in Francistown against Mauritania and their style of play was so spectacular. They put more effort and I was confident that they will return home victories. I urge Batswana to give the boys extra support by all means; by wearing national colours and filling the stadium in the games to follow,” said Tokana.

Another supporter, Gloria Mapogo from Tlokweng said this moment should last forever and Batswana should augment their support for both the Zebras and the Mares who will be going to Morocco for the men and women’s AFCON tournaments.

The Mares will also compete in the 2025 Women’s AFCON finals, which will start on July 5 to July 26 while the men’s tournament is set for November 21 to December 18.

All games take place next year. Ends