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Botswana national football team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Botswana women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
Botswana
Nickname(s) Dipitse (The Zebras)
Association BFA
Confederation CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach Morena Ramoreboli
Captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe
Most caps Joel Mogorosi (92)
Top scorer Jerome Ramatlhakwane (24)
Home stadium Botswana National Stadium
FIFA code BOT
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 145 Steady (7 February 2019)
Highest 53 (December 2010)
Lowest 165 (November 1999 – February 2000)
Elo ranking
Current 133 Increase 15 (3 March 2019)
Highest 98 (August 2011)
Lowest 187 (March 1997)
First international
 Malawi 8–1 Botswana 
(Malawi; 13 July 1968)
Biggest win
 Botswana 6–0 Mauritius 
(Polokwane, South Africa; 1 June 2018)
Biggest defeat
 Malawi 8–1 Botswana 
(Malawi; 13 July 1968)
 Botswana 0–7 Zimbabwe 
(Gaborone, Botswana; 26 August 1990)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances 2 (first in 2012)
Best result Group stage (2012)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances 19 (first in 1997)
Best result Runners-up (2016, 2019)
Medal record
COSAFA Cup
Silver 2016 Namibia Team
Silver 2019 South Africa

The Botswana national football team, also known as Dipitse (The Zebras), represents Botswana in association football. The team was started in 1970 and is managed by the Botswana Football Association (BFA). They have played in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament twice, in 2012 and 2025.

Team History and Achievements

The Botswana national football team first tried to qualify for the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States. They played against Niger and Ivory Coast. They managed to get a 0–0 draw against Ivory Coast in Gaborone, but lost their other three matches.

For the 2002 FIFA World Cup, Botswana played against Zambia. Zambia won both games, which meant Botswana did not move forward in the competition.

Rising Through the Ranks

After some tough losses, the Botswana Football Association decided to make changes. They even changed their manager, Colwyn Rowe, who had helped the team reach its highest FIFA ranking of 95th at that time. Stanley Tshosane took over and led the team to a 2–1 win against Mozambique.

Botswana later surprised many by becoming the first team to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. They beat Tunisia both at home and away! This amazing achievement helped them reach their highest ever FIFA ranking of 53rd. However, at the tournament itself, they lost all their games and finished last in their group.

Recent Journeys and Successes

Botswana continued to try and qualify for major tournaments. They faced challenges in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In 2014, Peter Butler became the new manager.

Brandon Wilson
Brandon Wilson received his first call up for Botswana in 2023

The team showed great spirit in their journey to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Even after a difficult start with two losses, they earned eight points from their next twelve possible points. A 1-1 draw away against Egypt in their final match secured their spot in the tournament. This was a fantastic achievement, especially since their manager, Didier Gomes Da Rosa, had resigned, and Morena Ramoreboli took over as interim coach for the last two crucial games.

Recent Matches and Future Games

See also: Botswana national football team results (2020 to present)

Here are some of the recent results and upcoming matches for the Botswana national football team.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

Matches in 2024

8 January Friendly Botswana  1–1  Mozambique Johannesburg, South Africa
16:00 UTC+2
  • Seakanyeng Goal 39' (pen.)
  • Amade Goal 90+5'
 Stadium: Johannesburg Stadium
22 March Friendly Botswana  0–0  Rwanda Antananarivo, Madagascar
13:00 UTC+3 Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
25 March Friendly Burundi  0–0  Botswana Antananarivo, Madagascar
13:00 UTC+3 Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium
7 June 2026 World Cup qualification Uganda  1–0  Botswana Kampala, Uganda
19:00 UTC+3
  • Shaban Goal 74'
 Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Attendance: 45,000
Referee: Clement Franklin Kpan (Ivory Coast)
10 June 2026 World Cup qualification Somalia  1–3  Botswana Maputo, Mozambique
15:00 UTC+2
  • Hassan Goal 74'
  • Sesinyi Goal 10'
  • Gaolaolwe Goal 53'
  • Seakanyeng Goal 72'
 Stadium: Estádio do Zimpeto
Referee: Emmanuel Mensah (Liberia)
26 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Swaziland  0–0  Botswana Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
29 June 2024 COSAFA Cup South Africa  0–0  Botswana Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup Mozambique  3–1  Botswana Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00
  • Ferreira Goal 45+2'
  • Dário Goal 66'
  • Cândido Goal 90+4'
  • Kopelang Goal 20'
 Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
31 August Friendly Libya  1–0  Botswana Tripoli, Libya
18:00 UTC+2
  • Krawa'a Goal 54' (pen.)
 Stadium: Tripoli Stadium
7 September 2025 AFCON qualification Mauritania  1–0  Botswana Nouakchott, Mauritania
16:00 UTC±0
  • Amar Goal 84'
 Stadium: Cheikha Ould Boïdiya Stadium
Referee: Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana)
10 September 2025 AFCON qualification Botswana  0–4  Egypt Francistown, Botswana
18:00 UTC+2
Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium
Referee: Omar Abdulkadir Artan (Somalia)
10 October 2025 AFCON qualification Cape Verde  0–1  Botswana Praia, Cape Verde
15:00 UTC−1
  • Orebonye Goal 2'
 Stadium: Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde
Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco)
15 October 2025 AFCON qualification Botswana  1–0  Cape Verde Francistown, Botswana
18:00 UTC+2
  • Sesinyi Goal 52'
 Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium
Attendance: 8,000
Referee: Messie Nkounkou (Congo)
15 November 2025 AFCON qualification Botswana  1–1  Mauritania Francistown, Botswana
14:00 UTC+2
  • Baruti Goal 18'
  • Koïta Goal 7'
 Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium
Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia)
19 November 2025 AFCON qualification Egypt  1–1  Botswana Cairo, Egypt
19:00 UTC+2
  • Kebatho Goal 8'
 Stadium: 30 June Stadium
Referee: Abdallah Jammeh (Gambia)

Matches in 2025

21 March 2026 World Cup qualification Botswana  1–3  Algeria Francistown, Botswana
15:00 UTC+2
  • Kopelang Goal 70'
  • Gouiri Goal 44'
  • Amoura Goal 52', 74'
 Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium
Attendance: 3,278
Referee: Ahmed Arajiga (Tanzania)
25 March 2026 World Cup qualification Botswana  2–0  Somalia Francistown, Botswana
15:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium
6 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Comoros  0–0  Botswana Bloemfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
Referee: Arnaud Zafimahatoha (Madagascar)
11 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Botswana  3–3  Zambia Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
  • Kgamanyane Goal 2'
  • Semadi Goal 32' (pen.)
  • Maponda Goal 60'
  • Zulu Goal 45+3' (pen.)
  • Sinkala Goal 52'
  • Jo. Phiri Goal 90' (pen.)
 Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
Referee: Akhona Makalima (South Africa)
September 2026 World Cup qualification Algeria  v  Botswana
September 2026 World Cup qualification Mozambique  v  Botswana
October 2026 World Cup qualification Botswana  v  Uganda
October 2026 World Cup qualification Guinea  v  Botswana
23 December 2025 AFCON Group Stage Senegal  v  Botswana Tangier, Morocco
18:00 Stadium: Ibn Batouta Stadium
27 December 2025 AFCON Group Stage Benin  v  Botswana Rabat, Morocco
20:30 Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium
30 December 2025 AFCON Group Stage Botswana  v  DR Congo Rabat, Morocco
20:30 Stadium: Al Barid Stadium

Who Has Coached the Team?

Many coaches have led the Botswana national football team over the years. Here is a list of some of them:

Freddie Mwila
Freddie Mwila managed the national football team of Botswana in the 1990s
  • South Africa Thomas Johnson (1973)
  • West Germany Rudi Gutendorf (1976)
  • Scotland Peter Cormack (1986–1987)
  • Zambia Kenny Mwape (1990–1992)
  • Zambia Freddie Mwila (1992–1994)
  • Zambia Freddie Mwila (1994–1996)
  • Botswana Michael Gaborone (1996–1997)
  • Botswana David Bright (1997–1998)
  • Botswana David Bright (1999)
  • England Jeff Butler (1999)
  • Botswana David Bright (2000)
  • Germany Karl-Heinz Marotzke (2001)
  • Serbia and Montenegro Veselin Jelušić (2002–2005)
  • Botswana David Bright (2006)
  • England Colwyn Rowe (2006–2008)
  • Botswana Stanley Tshosane (2008–2013)
  • England Peter Butler (2014–2017)
  • Botswana Mogomotsi Mpote (2017)
  • Botswana David Bright (2017–2019)
  • Botswana Mfolo Mfolo (2019)
  • Botswana Mogomotsi Mpote (2019)
  • Algeria Adel Amrouche (2019–2022)
  • Zimbabwe Rahman Gumbo (2022)
  • Botswana Mogomotsi Mpote (2022–2023)
  • France Didier Gomes Da Rosa (2023-2024)
  • South Africa Morena Ramoreboli (2024-)

Meet the Players

Current Squad Members

These players were chosen for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification – CAF Group G matches in March 2025.

The numbers for games played (caps) and goals are correct as of November 19, 2024, after the match against Egypt.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Goitseone Phoko (1994-12-13) 13 December 1994 (age 30) 34 1 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy
1GK Lesenya Malapela (1996-07-10) 10 July 1996 (age 29) 5 0 Botswana Orapa United
1GK Kabelo Maphakela (1998-08-06) 6 August 1998 (age 27) 1 0 Botswana Mochudi Centre Chiefs
2DF Mosha Gaolaolwe (1993-12-25) 25 December 1993 (age 31) 87 5 Botswana Township Rollers
2DF Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (1998-09-21) 21 September 1998 (age 26) 38 2 Libya Al-Ittihad
2DF Tebogo Kopelang (2000-04-24) 24 April 2000 (age 25) 28 1 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy
2DF Mothusi Johnson (1997-07-28) 28 July 1997 (age 28) 27 0 Botswana Gaborone United
2DF Alford Velaphi (1999-01-18) 18 January 1999 (age 26) 27 0 Botswana Gaborone United
2DF Kitso Mangolo (1999-01-06) 6 January 1999 (age 26) 23 1 Botswana Mochudi Centre Chiefs
2DF Thabo Leinanyane (1993-07-27) 27 July 1993 (age 32) 18 0 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy
2DF Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi (1999-02-03) 3 February 1999 (age 26) 0 0 Botswana TAFIC
3MF Lebogang Ditsele (1996-04-20) 20 April 1996 (age 29) 56 3 Botswana Gaborone United
3MF Segolame Boy (1992-11-07) 7 November 1992 (age 32) 43 4 Botswana Township Rollers
3MF Thero Setsile (1995-10-08) 8 October 1995 (age 29) 33 3 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy
3MF Gape Mohutsiwa (1997-03-20) 20 March 1997 (age 28) 27 2 Algeria ASO Chlef
3MF Godiraone Modingwane (1996-06-26) 26 June 1996 (age 29) 23 0 Botswana Botswana Defence Force
3MF Gilbert Baruti (1992-03-16) 16 March 1992 (age 33) 15 1 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy
3MF Gift Moyo (1990-08-20) 20 August 1990 (age 35) 11 0 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy
3MF Koketso Majafi (1992-11-07) 7 November 1992 (age 32) 6 0 Botswana Orapa United
3MF Renei Batlokwa (1997-12-18) 18 December 1997 (age 27) 1 0 England Maldon & Tiptree
3MF Theo Shadikong (2002-03-26) 26 March 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Botswana TAFIC
4FW Kabelo Seakanyeng (1993-06-25) 25 June 1993 (age 32) 69 10 Morocco Maghreb of Fez
4FW Tumisang Orebonye (1996-03-26) 26 March 1996 (age 29) 56 6 Libya Al-Ittihad
4FW Tshepo Keselebale (2001-02-19) 19 February 2001 (age 24) 2 0 Botswana Security Systems
4FW Godfrey Tauyatswala (2001-01-25) 25 January 2001 (age 24) 0 0 Botswana Township Rollers

Players Recently Called Up

These players were also called up to the national team within the last year.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Victor James (2002-08-27) 27 August 2002 (age 22) 1 0 Botswana Masitaoka 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Karamelo Kgosipula (2003-02-06) 6 February 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Botswana Matebele 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Kenneth Mmoko (1999-10-13) 13 October 1999 (age 25) 0 0 Botswana Sua Flamingoes 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Jovan Nikolić (2001-09-09) 9 September 2001 (age 23) 0 0 Portugal Marinhense 2024 COSAFA Cup
GK Kabelo Dambe (1990-05-10) 10 May 1990 (age 35) 63 0 Botswana Township Rollers v.  Somalia, 10 June 2024
GK Thabo Motswagole (2000-04-22) 22 April 2000 (age 25) 1 0 Botswana Masitaoka v.  Somalia, 10 June 2024
DF Thabo Babutsi (2000-07-24) 24 July 2000 (age 25) 3 0 Botswana Township Rollers 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Atamelang Lesogo 1 0 Botswana Orapa United 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Botsile Sakana (2001-01-26) 26 January 2001 (age 24) 1 0 Botswana Masitaoka 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Obakeng Senono (1999-09-29) 29 September 1999 (age 25) 1 0 Botswana Masitaoka 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Leruo Ratala (2002-03-28) 28 March 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Botswana Gaborone United 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Bonno Sepako 0 0 Botswana UB Hawks 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Motsholetsi Sikele (1991-12-01) 1 December 1991 (age 33) 4 0 Botswana Township Rollers v.  Somalia, 10 June 2024
MF Gape Thibedi (2000-02-02) 2 February 2000 (age 25) 11 0 Botswana Gaborone United 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Olebogeng Ramotse (1998-01-17) 17 January 1998 (age 27) 9 0 Botswana Masitaoka 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Tawana Mbakile (2000-07-14) 14 July 2000 (age 25) 5 0 Botswana Security Systems 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Obakeng Ramotlhwa (1999-07-26) 26 July 1999 (age 26) 1 0 Botswana Masitaoka 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Ricky Ratlhogo (2000-12-08) 8 December 2000 (age 24) 1 0 Botswana Orapa United 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Ofentse Mbaiwa (2003-06-10) 10 June 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Botswana Eleven Angels 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Boniface Ramolale (2002-04-03) 3 April 2002 (age 23) 0 0 Botswana Masitaoka 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Shaun Theron (2003-03-11) 11 March 2003 (age 22) 0 0 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Phenyo Serameng (1996-09-27) 27 September 1996 (age 28) 4 0 Botswana Township Rollers v.  Somalia, 10 June 2024
MF Mpho Kgaswane (1994-06-13) 13 June 1994 (age 31) 21 2 Botswana Gaborone United v.  Burundi, 25 March 2024
MF Christopher Lemme (1995-11-05) 5 November 1995 (age 29) 3 0 Botswana Security Systems v.  Burundi, 25 March 2024
FW Molaodi Tlhalefang (1997-07-07) 7 July 1997 (age 28) 11 2 Botswana Miscellaneous SC Serowe 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Eric Ookame (2001-04-03) 3 April 2001 (age 24) 4 0 Botswana Eleven Angels 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Oarabile Sekwai (1998-11-28) 28 November 1998 (age 26) 4 0 Botswana Police XI 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Lizo Skweyiya (2004-01-01) 1 January 2004 (age 21) 4 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Thabiso Bante (1995-04-25) 25 April 1995 (age 30) 2 0 Botswana TAFIC 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Bame Morwalela (1999-03-25) 25 March 1999 (age 26) 2 1 Botswana Township Rollers 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Thabang Sesinyi (1992-10-15) 15 October 1992 (age 32) 23 3 Botswana Jwaneng Galaxy v.  Somalia, 10 June 2024

Player Records and Stats

Here are some interesting facts about the players who have played the most games and scored the most goals for Botswana.

Players whose names are in bold are still playing for Botswana.

Most Games Played

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Joel Mogorosi 92 16 2005–2019
2 Mompati Thuma 86 1 2004–2013
3 Modiri Marumo 85 0 1997–2015
Mosha Gaolaolwe 85 2 2013–present
5 Ndiapo Letsholathebe 78 0 2003–2013
6 Tshepo Motlhabankwe 76 2 2003–2013
7 Mogogi Gabonamong 74 4 1999–2015
8 Dipsy Selolwane 68 18 1998–2012
9 Kabelo Seakanyeng 67 10 2014–present
10 Lemponye Tshireletso 64 11 2009–2020

Top Goal Scorers

Rank Player Goals Caps Ratio Career
1 Jerome Ramatlhakwane 24 61 0.39 2006–2018
2 Dipsy Selolwane 18 68 0.26 1998–2012
3 Joel Mogorosi 16 92 0.17 2005–2019
4 Lemponye Tshireletso 11 64 0.17 2009–2020
5 Onkabetse Makgantai 10 27 0.37 2014–2021
Kabelo Seakanyeng 10 67 0.15 2014–present
7 Moemedi Moatlhaping 9 50 0.18 2004–2013
8 Tshepiso Molwantwa 8 44 0.18 1998–2006
9 Pontsho Moloi 7 50 0.14 2004–2012
10 Tumisang Orebonye 6 54 0.11 2017–present

Tournament Records

FIFA World Cup Appearances

Botswana has tried to qualify for the FIFA World Cup several times. They first entered the qualifiers for the 1994 World Cup. They have not yet made it to the main World Cup tournament.

Africa Cup of Nations Appearances

Botswana has qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations twice. Their first appearance was in 2012, and they have also qualified for the 2025 tournament.

COSAFA Cup Performance

Main article: COSAFA Cup

The team has also competed in the COSAFA Cup, a regional tournament for Southern Africa. They have been runners-up twice, in 2016 and 2019.

Team Honours

Regional Awards

  • COSAFA Cup
    • Runners-up (2): 2016, 2019

Special Awards

  • African National Team of the Year: 2011

See also

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