Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe headlines Botswana’s 55-man preliminary squad for the 2025 AFCON tournament.
Botswana coach Morena Ramoreboli named a huge pool of players from which he will trim down the men who will travel to Morocco. Ditlhokwe captains the Zebras, who will be making their second appearance at the continental biennial football competition.
Locally-based players dominate Ramoreboli’s selection as Botswana will be chasing their first-ever win at AFCON. This is after they lost all their group games when they debuted in the tournament in 2012.
North Africa-based quintet of captain Ditlhokwe, Tumisang Orebonye, Gape Mohutsiwa, Thero Setsile and Kabelo Seakanyeng form the core of his side. Striker Molaodi Tlhalefang of Emirati side Majd FC has also been included, together with Richards Bay FC’s Benson Mangolo.
Black Lions 18-year-old midfielder Tlotlo ‘Mala’ Keipidile will be hoping to make it into Ramoreboli’s final plans. The teenager is viewed by his club coach, Owen da Gama, as a generational talent.
The Zebras will be out to show their stripes in Group D at AFCON alongside Senegal, DR Congo and Benin.
RAMOREBOLI CONFIDENT IN HIS BOTSWANA PLAYERS, SAYS PRESSURE IS ON SENEGAL
“Honestly speaking, it’s a very competitive group. We need to be honest because those are countries that have been doing very well,” Ramoreboli told FARPost.
“I always say that for Senegal to be where they are, to be called a powerhouse, they started somewhere. I think the good thing is that the pressure is on them to make us understand that they are a powerhouse.
“We are there to do our duty, so we are going to make sure that we prepare well and make sure that we do our best. To be honest with you, I have confidence in the players that we have in the country, and I believe that given a chance, they will do well.
“I strongly feel that this is a very good platform for them because many of them are getting this opportunity at their peak. I feel this is the right time for them to excel and make sure that they do well.”
BOTSWANA’s 55-MAN SQUAD
RELATED STORY: Ramoreboli outlines Botswana’s AFCON plans
