The Botswana national football team, “The Zebras”, are gearing up for their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with head coach Morena Ramoreboli announcing his final 26-man squad ahead of the crucial fixtures against Algeria and Somalia.
The Zebras will continue their journey towards securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with two important matches scheduled for later this month. They will face Algeria on March 21, 2025, followed by a clash with Somalia on March 25, 2025.
Ramoreboli had previously named an expanded provisional squad of 49 players last month as part of his preparations for the World Cup qualifiers. This final selection brings the squad down to 26 players, who will now look to deliver on the road to the World Cup Finals, to be held next year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Among the notable inclusions in the squad are Theo Shadikong, a midfielder from TAFIC, and Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi, a defender also from TAFIC. Both players are receiving their first call-ups to the senior team. Another exciting addition is Reneilwe Batlokwa, a midfielder who plays in England for Maldo and Tiptree.
With these fresh faces, Ramoreboli’s squad brings a blend of experience and new talent, as Botswana aims to build momentum in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The final 26-man squad is as follows:
GOALKEEPERS
Lesenya Malapela
Kabelo Maphakela
Goitseone Phoko
DEFENDERS
Alford Velaphi
Kitso Mangolo
Mothusi Johnson
Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi
Thabo Leinanyane
Tebogo Kopelang
Mosha Gaolalwe
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
MIDFIELDERS
Gift Moyo
Gilbert Baruti
Lebogang Ditsile
Godiraone Modingwane
Koketso Majafi
Gape Mohutsiwa
Reneilwe Batlokwa
Theo Shadikong
FORWARDS
Segolame Boy
Tshepo Kelebale
Kabelo Seakanyeng
Thero Setsile
Thabang Sesinyi
Godfrey Tauyatswala
Tumisang Orebonye