Zebras show their stripes for World Cup qualifiers
Botswana have called up two new players to their squad as they travel to Algeria and Mozambique for what is their last chance to keep up hopes of qualifying for next year’s FIFA World Cup finals.
Midfielders Thapelo Mabedi from Botswana Defence Force XI and Mochudi Centre Chiefs' Shanganani Ngada are the two newcomers, while the Gaborone United pair Mpho Kgaswane and Thabo Maponda return to the squad after a lengthy absence.
Botswana have nine points and are six behind Group G leaders Algeria and effectively must beat them away in Tizi-Ouzou on September 4 if they are to stand any chance of a place at the tournament in North America next June.
They must also get a positive result away on September 8 against Mozambique, who are second in the group with 12 points.
Coach Morena Ramoreboli has only three players from clubs outside Botswana in his 26-man squad, with Gape Mohutsiwa, who plays at Mouloudia Oran, able to bring some expertise about Algeria to his coach.
Libya-based Tumisang Orebonye has been linked with a potential move to Wydad Casablanca, while defender Benson Mangolo has recently moved to South African top flight club Richards Bay from Mochudi Centre Chiefs but yet to feature for his new team.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Kabelo Dambe (Township Rollers), Keagile Kgosipula (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Goitseone Phoko (Jwaneng Galaxy)
Defenders: Mosha Gaolaolwe (Township Rollers), Mothusi Johnson (Gaborone United), Tebogo Kopelang, Thabo Leinanyane (both Jwaneng Galaxy), Benson Mangolo (Richards Bay, South Africa), Shanganani Nganda (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Botsile Sakana (Orapi United), Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United)
Midfielders: Gilbert Baruti (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Mothusi Cooper (Township Rollers), Lebogang Ditsele, Mpho Kgaswane (both Gaborone United), Thapelo Mabedi (Botswana Defence Force XI), Gape Mohutsiwa (Mouloudia Oran, Algeria), Karabo Phiri (Gaborone United), Phenyo Serameng (Sua Flamingoes)
Forwards: Segolame Boy (Sua Flamingoes), Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Thabo Maponda (both Gaborone United), Tumisang Orebonye (Al Ittihad, Libya), Serati Semadi (Sua Flamingoes), Thero Setsile (Jwaneng Galaxy), Theo Shadikong (Mochudi Centre Chiefs).