Botswana has made history as the first nation to announce a preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a bold move coming ten months before the tournament kicks off in Morocco.
The 51-man preliminary squad is heavily dominated by home-based players, underlining Botswana’s trust in its domestic league.
Although the squad is largely homegrown, five foreign-based players have been called up, bringing valuable international experience.
The squad, unveiled by head coach Morena Ramoreboli, is also expected to serve as a selection pool for Botswana’s upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with crucial fixtures scheduled for next month.
Botswana’s bold early call-up strategy will be closely watched by other AFCON-bound nations, as the Zebras aim to surpass their 2012 AFCON debut and make a mark in Morocco.
One of the standout aspects of the selection is the heavy reliance on home-based players, signaling Botswana’s commitment to its domestic league.
The country’s most successful club in recent CAF competitions, Jwaneng Galaxy, has eight players in the squad, more than any other club.
The club’s impressive run in last season’s CAF Champions League group stages has clearly influenced selection.
Their success in last year’s CAF Champions League group stages, where they defied expectations, has seen many of their players rewarded with call-ups.
Among the Jwaneng Galaxy players included are Thabo Leinanyane, Tebogo Kopelang, Gift Moyo, Gilbert Baruti, Thabang Sesinyi, Omaatla Kebatho, Thero Setsile, and Victor James.
Other clubs contributing significantly to the squad include Township Rollers, who have six players in the team, including experienced figures like Segolame Boy and Mosha Gaolaolwe.
Orapa United also has five players in the squad, including exciting midfield prospects Kamogelo Moloi and Koketso Majafi, while Gaborone United has four representatives, among them Lebogang Ditsile and Thatayaone Kgamanyane.
While the squad is dominated by locally based talent, five foreign-based players have also been included to bring international experience.
Thatayone Ditlhokwe and Tumisang Orebonye, both of whom play for Al-Ittihad in Libya, are among the key inclusions, with Ditlhokwe reinforcing the defense while Orebonye provides attacking options upfront.
Gape Mohutsiwa, who plies his trade in Algeria with ASO Chlef, brings valuable midfield stability, while Reneilwe Wedu Batlokwa, based in England with Maldon & Tiptree, is another promising addition in the middle of the park.
Rounding off the list of foreign-based stars is Kabelo Seakanyeng, who plays for Maghreb Fez in Morocco, and will be looking to use his knowledge of North African football to Botswana’s advantage.
Naming a squad this far in advance is a rare move in international football, as injuries, loss of form, or transfers could impact player availability before the tournament.
However, the early announcement ensures stability in the team, allowing the selected players to mentally prepare for the challenge ahead, while also motivating those who missed out to work harder for a potential late call-up.
The squad will remain under constant assessment, and changes could still be made depending on performances in domestic leagues and international friendlies.
The Zebras, who sealed their second-ever AFCON qualification after finishing second in their group, will face Senegal, DR Congo, and Benin in Group C at the tournament, which runs from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026.
The squad, announced by head coach Morena Ramoreboli, will also double as a pool for selection for Botswana’s FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the next round of matches set for March.
Botswana currently sits third in their World Cup qualifying group, behind Algeria and Mozambique, and will host Algeria in a crucial fixture next month.
Botswana will compete in Group C at AFCON 2025, where they will face Senegal, DR Congo, and Benin.
With a mix of seasoned veterans, homegrown talent, and foreign-based experience, the Zebras will be hoping to make an impact and surpass their debut AFCON appearance in 2012, where they exited in the group stage.
The upcoming World Cup qualifiers and pre-tournament friendlies will be crucial in shaping the final list for Morocco 2025.
Full Botswana Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2025
GOALKEEPERS
Lesenya Malapela (Orapa United F.C)
Kabelo Maphakela (Township Rollers F.C)
Keletso Lekuni (Sua Flamingos F.C)
Victor James (Jwaneng Galaxy F.C)
DEFENDERS
Thabo Leinanyane (Jwaneng Galaxy F.C)
Tebogo Kopelang (Jwaneng Galaxy F.C)
Mosha Gaolaolwe (Township Rollers F.C)
Tshepang Boithatelo (Morupule Wanderers F.C)
Thatayone Ditlhokwe (Al-Ittihad – Libya)
Motheo Floyd Mogapi (Fleetwood Town – UK)
Rebaone Joseph (TAFIC F.C)
Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United F.C)
Motsholetsi Sekele (Township Rollers F.C)
Jackson Lesole (Mochudi Centre Chiefs F.C)
Shaun Philip (TAFIC F.C)
Mothusi Johnson (Gaborone United F.C)
Benson Mangolo (Mochudi Centre Chiefs F.C)
Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi (TAFIC F.C)
MIDFIELDERS
Kamogelo Moloi (Orapa United – Botswana U20)
Phillip Kaku (Township Rollers – Botswana U20)
Kabelo Thari (VTM F.C)
Gift Moyo (Jwaneng Galaxy F.C)
Gilbert Baruti (Jwaneng Galaxy F.C)
Lebogang Ditsile (Gaborone United)
Karabo Phiri (Gaborone United F.C)
Godiraone Modingwana (BDF XI F.C)
Koketso Majafi (Orapa United F.C)
Gofaone Mabaya (Orapa United F.C)
Gape Mohutsiwa (ASO Chlef – Algeria)
Reneilwe Wedu Batlokwa (Maldon & Tiptree F.C)
Theo Shadikong (TAFIC F.C)
Samuel Makgoro (Sua Flamingos F.C)
Thero Bubi (Academy of Champs)
ATTACKERS
Serati Semadi (Sua Flamingos F.C)
Thabang Sesinyi (Jwaneng Galaxy F.C)
Omaatla Kebatho (Jwaneng Galaxy F.C)
Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United F.C)
Eric Ookame (Orapa United F.C)
Tumisang Orebonye (Al-Ittihad – Libya)
Losika Ratshukudu (Just For Keepers)
Ngwako Ramokgathadi (Sua Flamingos F.C)
Kgopolo Gaseme (Extension Gunners F.C)
Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Township Rollers F.C)
Ronaldo Fortune (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)
Tshepo Keselebale (Security Systems F.C)
Thatayaone Nkwape (TAFIC F.C)
Thero Setsile (Jwaneng Galaxy F.C)
Segolame Boy (Township Rollers F.C)
Kabelo Seakanyeng (Maghreb Fez – Morocco)
Head Coach: Morena Ramoreboli
