Botswana name provisional squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers this month

Botswana have announced their provisional squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as the Zebras begin preparations for their upcoming qualification campaign.

Botswana will open their Group H campaign against Libya on September 24 before facing Tunisia four days later on September 28.

Head coach will have a large pool of players to choose from, with the provisional squad featuring a strong representation from clubs in the Botswana Premier League, alongside several players based abroad.

Among the foreign-based players included are Gape Mohutsiwa of Moroccan side Ittihad Tanger, Thatayaone Ditlhoko of Al Wehdat in Jordan and Losika Ratshukudu of Croatian club NK Slaven Belupo.

The squad also includes several players from leading Botswana clubs, including Jwaneng Galaxy, Gaborone United, Tonota FC, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Police XI and Orapa United.

The Zebras will be hoping to make a strong start to their qualifying campaign when they take on Libya before facing the more experienced Tunisia side four days later.

Botswana will use the provisional squad as preparations intensify ahead of the two opening Group H fixtures, with the final selection expected to be made before the matches.

Botswana provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Cedric Ramojela (Tonota FC), Victor James (Caps United FC), Thabo Motswagle (Gaborone United FC), Goitseone Phoko (SieweLe FC), Keekagile Kgossipula (Mochudi Centre Chiefs).

Defenders: Botsile Sakana (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Tebogo Kopelang (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Thato Mosweunyane (Tonota FC), Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United), Larona Modisamang (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Mosha Gaolaolwe (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Tumisang Mokopi (Nico United), Kitso Mangolo (Gaborone United), Thatayaone Ditlhoko (Al Wehdat), Gothusang Osego (Orapa United), Chicco Molefe (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Kabelo Thari (Police XI), Mompati Sohangnyetso (Enesia FC), Tefo Molefe (Police XI), Roy Omphile (Tonota FC), Bernard Kebotseng (Tonota FC), Karabo Tšhole (Mochudi Real Masters FC).

Midfielders: Mothusi Cooper (Tonota FC), Gape Mohutsiwa (Ittihad Tanger), Ricky Ratlhogo (Orapa United), Omphile Ramaogai (Gaborone United), Philip Kaku (Tonota FC), Monty Enosa (Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC), Kudzani Sibanda (Enesia FC), Mpho Kgaswane (Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC), Keitumetse Samunala (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Olebogeng Ramatse (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Lebogang Ditsile (Gaborone United FC), Darren Matshaba (Morupule Wanderers FC), Godiraone Modingwane (BDF XI).

Attackers: Tony Hutshe (Dinare FC), Ronaldo Fortune (Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC), Tshepo Kesebale (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Eric Okame (Police XI), Chivese Kesekile (Extension Gunners FC), Losika Ratshukudu (NK Slaven Belupo FC), Thero Setsile (Tonota FC), Gaone Japane (Morupule Wanderers FC), Karabo Kelathilwe (Police XI), Lemogang Sefemo (Police XI), Pitse Lekapane (Nico United FC), Odirele Lekoba (Enesia FC), Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United), Tumisang Orebonye (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Boikobo Nanye (Jwaneng Galaxy FC), Thapelo Balatiling (Sua Flamingos FC), Tumisho Tshotlhego (Tonota FC), Kgotso Raditlhowa (Jwaneng Galaxy FC).