Siwelele FC have completed the signing of Botswana international goalkeeper Goitseone Phoko on a free transfer, FARPost can reveal. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has agreed a two-year deal with the club, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.
Phoko becomes one of Siwelele’s first major acquisitions ahead of the 2026/27 season as the club continues to strengthen its squad. The club has already secured the signatures of highly rated youngsters Rehlohonolofaditswe ‘Pezo’ Thulo and Sheldon Tebogo Mashuge.
FARPost recently reported that Siwelele had identified the Botswana national team goalkeeper as a priority target as they looked to reinforce their goalkeeping department. The move has now been finalised, with Phoko putting pen to paper on a two-year contract.
The highly rated shot-stopper arrives with an impressive pedigree. He established himself as Botswana’s first-choice goalkeeper and earned widespread praise for his performances at the 2025 AFCON. In addition to his international exploits, Phoko brings valuable continental experience, having featured extensively in both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
His Botswana teammate Tumisang Orebonye believes the move is the reward for years of hard work and growing confidence.
WHAT OREBONYE THINKS ABOUT GOITSEONE PHOKO
“He’s exceptional. We’ve been pushing him a lot. Before AFCON, we spoke about it being his opportunity to shine and market himself. We did extra training with him because we knew he could help the national team,” Orebonye told FARPost.
“At Gaborone United, when we played together, I saw him at his best, but I still felt he hadn’t reached his full potential. He’s top on one-v-ones. The best goalkeepers have an aura when they go one-on-one with strikers. It comes with confidence, and that’s what he has developed. He’s one of the best goalkeepers in Botswana. I’m very happy for him because this is something we spoke about that the time would come for him to make a move.”
Siwelele reportedly view Phoko as much more than a squad addition. The club believes his experience, leadership and pedigree will create healthy competition for Ricardo Goss. The Bafana Bafana goalie, Goss, is expected to remain at the club for another season after impressing during his loan spell from Mamelodi Sundowns.
While Goss is likely to begin the campaign as one of the club’s key players, Siwelele were eager to avoid relying on a single goalkeeper and identified Phoko as the ideal candidate to challenge for the number one jersey.
The signing also provides the club with much-needed depth in a crucial position as they prepare for a demanding campaign.
SAMUKELO XULU SET TO DEPART
Phoko’s arrival is expected to pave the way for Samukelo Xulu’s departure. The former SuperSport United goalkeeper endured a frustrating season, failing to make a league appearance and featuring only once in domestic competition during a Carling Knockout Cup clash against Orlando Pirates.
Although Xulu represented South Africa at the African Nations Championship [CHAN], opportunities at club level proved limited.
His expected exit will open the door for Phoko to compete directly with Goss as Siwelele reshapes their goalkeeping department.
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