Botswana national football team facts for kids
Nickname(s) | Dipitse (The Zebras) | ||||||||||
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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 | ||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | |||||||||||
Current | 145 ![]() |
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Highest | 53 (December 2010) | ||||||||||
Lowest | 165 (November 1999 – February 2000) | ||||||||||
Elo ranking | |||||||||||
Current | 133 ![]() |
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Highest | 98 (August 2011) | ||||||||||
Lowest | 187 (March 1997) | ||||||||||
First international | |||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Malawi; 13 July 1968) |
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Biggest win | |||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Polokwane, South Africa; 1 June 2018) |
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Biggest defeat | |||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Malawi; 13 July 1968) ![]() ![]() (Gaborone, Botswana; 26 August 1990) |
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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
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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.
Contents
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.
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
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 | ![]() |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
16:00 UTC+2 |
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Stadium: Johannesburg Stadium |
22 March Friendly | Botswana ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Antananarivo, Madagascar |
13:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium |
25 March Friendly | Burundi ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Antananarivo, Madagascar |
13:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Mahamasina Municipal Stadium |
7 June 2026 World Cup qualification | Uganda ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Kampala, Uganda |
19:00 UTC+3 | Stadium: Mandela National Stadium Attendance: 45,000 Referee: Clement Franklin Kpan (Ivory Coast) |
10 June 2026 World Cup qualification | Somalia ![]() |
1–3 | ![]() |
Maputo, Mozambique |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Estádio do Zimpeto Referee: Emmanuel Mensah (Liberia) |
26 June 2024 COSAFA Cup | Swaziland ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Gqeberha, South Africa |
15:00 | Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium |
29 June 2024 COSAFA Cup | South Africa ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Gqeberha, South Africa |
15:00 | Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium |
2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup | Mozambique ![]() |
3–1 | ![]() |
Gqeberha, South Africa |
15:00 | Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium |
31 August Friendly | Libya ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Tripoli, Libya |
18:00 UTC+2 |
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Stadium: Tripoli Stadium |
7 September 2025 AFCON qualification | Mauritania ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Nouakchott, Mauritania |
16:00 UTC±0 | Stadium: Cheikha Ould Boïdiya Stadium Referee: Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana) |
10 September 2025 AFCON qualification | Botswana ![]() |
0–4 | ![]() |
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 | ![]() |
Praia, Cape Verde |
15:00 UTC−1 | Stadium: Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde Referee: Samir Guezzaz (Morocco) |
15 October 2025 AFCON qualification | Botswana ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Francistown, Botswana |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium Attendance: 8,000 Referee: Messie Nkounkou (Congo) |
15 November 2025 AFCON qualification | Botswana ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Francistown, Botswana |
14:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) |
19 November 2025 AFCON qualification | Egypt ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Cairo, Egypt |
19:00 UTC+2 |
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Stadium: 30 June Stadium Referee: Abdallah Jammeh (Gambia) |
Matches in 2025
21 March 2026 World Cup qualification | Botswana ![]() |
1–3 | ![]() |
Francistown, Botswana |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium Attendance: 3,278 Referee: Ahmed Arajiga (Tanzania) |
25 March 2026 World Cup qualification | Botswana ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Francistown, Botswana |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Obed Itani Chilume Stadium |
6 June 2025 COSAFA Cup | Comoros ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium Referee: Arnaud Zafimahatoha (Madagascar) |
11 June 2025 COSAFA Cup | Botswana ![]() |
3–3 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 |
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Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium Referee: Akhona Makalima (South Africa) |
September 2026 World Cup qualification | Algeria ![]() |
v | ![]() |
September 2026 World Cup qualification | Mozambique ![]() |
v | ![]() |
October 2026 World Cup qualification | Botswana ![]() |
v | ![]() |
October 2026 World Cup qualification | Guinea ![]() |
v | ![]() |
23 December 2025 AFCON Group Stage | Senegal ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Tangier, Morocco |
18:00 | Stadium: Ibn Batouta Stadium |
27 December 2025 AFCON Group Stage | Benin ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Rabat, Morocco |
20:30 | Stadium: Prince Moulay Abdellah Olympic Annex Stadium |
30 December 2025 AFCON Group Stage | Botswana ![]() |
v | ![]() |
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:
Thomas Johnson (1973)
Rudi Gutendorf (1976)
Peter Cormack (1986–1987)
Kenny Mwape (1990–1992)
Freddie Mwila (1992–1994)
Freddie Mwila (1994–1996)
Michael Gaborone (1996–1997)
David Bright (1997–1998)
David Bright (1999)
Jeff Butler (1999)
David Bright (2000)
Karl-Heinz Marotzke (2001)
Veselin Jelušić (2002–2005)
David Bright (2006)
Colwyn Rowe (2006–2008)
Stanley Tshosane (2008–2013)
Peter Butler (2014–2017)
Mogomotsi Mpote (2017)
David Bright (2017–2019)
Mfolo Mfolo (2019)
Mogomotsi Mpote (2019)
Adel Amrouche (2019–2022)
Rahman Gumbo (2022)
Mogomotsi Mpote (2022–2023)
Didier Gomes Da Rosa (2023-2024)
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 |
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GK | Goitseone Phoko | 13 December 1994 | 34 | 1 | ![]() |
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GK | Lesenya Malapela | 10 July 1996 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Kabelo Maphakela | 6 August 1998 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Mosha Gaolaolwe | 25 December 1993 | 87 | 5 | ![]() |
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DF | Thatayaone Ditlhokwe | 21 September 1998 | 38 | 2 | ![]() |
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DF | Tebogo Kopelang | 24 April 2000 | 28 | 1 | ![]() |
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DF | Mothusi Johnson | 28 July 1997 | 27 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Alford Velaphi | 18 January 1999 | 27 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Kitso Mangolo | 6 January 1999 | 23 | 1 | ![]() |
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DF | Thabo Leinanyane | 27 July 1993 | 18 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi | 3 February 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Lebogang Ditsele | 20 April 1996 | 56 | 3 | ![]() |
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MF | Segolame Boy | 7 November 1992 | 43 | 4 | ![]() |
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MF | Thero Setsile | 8 October 1995 | 33 | 3 | ![]() |
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MF | Gape Mohutsiwa | 20 March 1997 | 27 | 2 | ![]() |
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MF | Godiraone Modingwane | 26 June 1996 | 23 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Gilbert Baruti | 16 March 1992 | 15 | 1 | ![]() |
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MF | Gift Moyo | 20 August 1990 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Koketso Majafi | 7 November 1992 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Renei Batlokwa | 18 December 1997 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Theo Shadikong | 26 March 2002 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Kabelo Seakanyeng | 25 June 1993 | 69 | 10 | ![]() |
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FW | Tumisang Orebonye | 26 March 1996 | 56 | 6 | ![]() |
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FW | Tshepo Keselebale | 19 February 2001 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Godfrey Tauyatswala | 25 January 2001 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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 |
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GK | Victor James | 27 August 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
GK | Karamelo Kgosipula | 6 February 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
GK | Kenneth Mmoko | 13 October 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
GK | Jovan Nikolić | 9 September 2001 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
GK | Kabelo Dambe | 10 May 1990 | 63 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Thabo Motswagole | 22 April 2000 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Thabo Babutsi | 24 July 2000 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
DF | Atamelang Lesogo | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup | |
DF | Botsile Sakana | 26 January 2001 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
DF | Obakeng Senono | 29 September 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
DF | Leruo Ratala | 28 March 2002 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
DF | Bonno Sepako | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup | |
DF | Motsholetsi Sikele | 1 December 1991 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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MF | Gape Thibedi | 2 February 2000 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Olebogeng Ramotse | 17 January 1998 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Tawana Mbakile | 14 July 2000 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Obakeng Ramotlhwa | 26 July 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Ricky Ratlhogo | 8 December 2000 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Ofentse Mbaiwa | 10 June 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Boniface Ramolale | 3 April 2002 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Shaun Theron | 11 March 2003 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Phenyo Serameng | 27 September 1996 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Mpho Kgaswane | 13 June 1994 | 21 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Christopher Lemme | 5 November 1995 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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FW | Molaodi Tlhalefang | 7 July 1997 | 11 | 2 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Eric Ookame | 3 April 2001 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Oarabile Sekwai | 28 November 1998 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Lizo Skweyiya | 1 January 2004 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Thabiso Bante | 25 April 1995 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Bame Morwalela | 25 March 1999 | 2 | 1 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Thabang Sesinyi | 15 October 1992 | 23 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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 |
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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
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
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Botsuana para niños