Botswana has become the first nation to announce a preliminary squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), unveiling a 51-man list nearly ten months before the tournament kicks off in Morocco.
This bold move demonstrates the team’s strategic planning as they prepare for both AFCON and the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The squad, revealed by head coach Morena Ramoreboli, is heavily dominated by home-based players, highlighting Botswana’s confidence in its domestic league.
Jwaneng Galaxy, the country’s most successful club in recent CAF competitions, has the highest representation with eight players.
Township Rollers follows with six, while Orapa United and Gaborone United contribute five and four players, respectively.
Five foreign-based players add international experience to the squad, including Thatayone Ditlhokwe and Tumisang Orebonye from Libya’s Al-Ittihad, midfielder Gape Mohutsiwa from ASO Chlef in Algeria, Reneilwe Wedu Batlokwa from England’s Maldon & Tiptree, and Kabelo Seakanyeng from Morocco’s Maghreb Fez.
This early selection provides stability and allows players to mentally and physically prepare for the challenge ahead.
While it is unusual to name a squad so far in advance, it ensures continuity and provides motivation for those not included to fight for a late call-up.
The squad will remain under constant evaluation, with possible adjustments based on performance in domestic and international competitions.
Botswana, making only their second AFCON appearance after their 2012 debut, will compete in Group C against Senegal, DR Congo, and Benin.
Before the tournament, they also face crucial World Cup qualifiers, including a key match against Algeria next month.
Full Botswana Preliminary Squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
Lesenya Malapela (Orapa United FC)
Kabelo Maphakela (Township Rollers FC)
Keletso Lekuni (Sua Flamingos FC)
Victor James (Jwaneng Galaxy FC)
Defenders
Thabo Leinanyane (Jwaneng Galaxy FC)
Tebogo Kopelang (Jwaneng Galaxy FC)
Mosha Gaolaolwe (Township Rollers FC)
Tshepang Boithatelo (Morupule Wanderers FC)
Thatayone Ditlhokwe (Al-Ittihad – Libya)
Motheo Floyd Mogapi (Fleetwood Town – UK)
Rebaone Joseph (TAFIC FC)
Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United FC)
Motsholetsi Sekele (Township Rollers FC)
Jackson Lesole (Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC)
Shaun Philip (TAFIC FC)
Mothusi Johnson (Gaborone United FC)
Benson Mangolo (Mochudi Centre Chiefs FC)
Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi (TAFIC FC)
Midfielders
Kamogelo Moloi (Orapa United – Botswana U20)
Phillip Kaku (Township Rollers – Botswana U20)
Kabelo Thari (VTM FC)
Gift Moyo (Jwaneng Galaxy FC)
Gilbert Baruti (Jwaneng Galaxy FC)
Lebogang Ditsile (Gaborone United)
Karabo Phiri (Gaborone United FC)
Godiraone Modingwana (BDF XI FC)
Koketso Majafi (Orapa United FC)
Gofaone Mabaya (Orapa United FC)
Gape Mohutsiwa (ASO Chlef – Algeria)
Reneilwe Wedu Batlokwa (Maldon & Tiptree FC)
Theo Shadikong (TAFIC FC)
Samuel Makgoro (Sua Flamingos FC)
Thero Bubi (Academy of Champs)
Attackers
Serati Semadi (Sua Flamingos FC)
Thabang Sesinyi (Jwaneng Galaxy FC)
Omaatla Kebatho (Jwaneng Galaxy FC)
Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United FC)
Eric Ookame (Orapa United FC)
Tumisang Orebonye (Al-Ittihad – Libya)
Losika Ratshukudu (Just For Keepers)
Ngwako Ramokgathadi (Sua Flamingos FC)
Kgopolo Gaseme (Extension Gunners FC)
Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Township Rollers FC)
Ronaldo Fortune (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)
Tshepo Keselebale (Security Systems FC)
Thatayaone Nkwape (TAFIC FC)
Thero Setsile (Jwaneng Galaxy FC)
Segolame Boy (Township Rollers FC)
Kabelo Seakanyeng (Maghreb Fez – Morocco)
Head Coach: Morena Ramoreboli
