National association football team
Botswana![Shirt badge/Association crest](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/Botswana_Football_Logo_2017.jpg/180px-Botswana_Football_Logo_2017.jpg) |
Nickname(s) | Dipitse (The Zebras) |
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Association | BFA |
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Confederation | CAF (Africa) |
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Sub-confederation | COSAFA (Southern Africa) |
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Head coach | Didier Gomes Da Rosa |
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Captain | Thatayaone Ditlhokwe |
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Most caps | Joel Mogorosi (92) |
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Top scorer | Jerome Ramatlhakwane (24) |
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Home stadium | Botswana National Stadium |
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FIFA code | BOT |
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FIFA ranking |
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Current | 145 1 (20 June 2024)[1] |
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Highest | 53 (December 2010) |
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Lowest | 165 (November 1999 – February 2000) |
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First international |
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Malawi 8–1 Botswana ![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Flag_of_Botswana.svg/23px-Flag_of_Botswana.svg.png) (Malawi; 13 July 1968) |
Biggest win |
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Botswana 6–0 Mauritius ![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Flag_of_Mauritius.svg/23px-Flag_of_Mauritius.svg.png) (Polokwane, South Africa; 1 June 2018) |
Biggest defeat |
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Malawi 8–1 Botswana ![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Flag_of_Botswana.svg/23px-Flag_of_Botswana.svg.png) (Malawi; 13 July 1968)
Botswana 0–7 Zimbabwe ![](//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg/23px-Flag_of_Zimbabwe.svg.png) (Gaborone, Botswana; 26 August 1990) |
Africa Cup of Nations |
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Appearances | 1 (first in 2012) |
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Best result | Group Stage (2012) |
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COSAFA Cup |
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Appearances | 19 (first in 1997) |
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Best result | Runners-up (2016, 2019) |
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The Botswana national football team was founded in 1970 to represent Botswana in association football and is governed by the Botswana Football Association (BFA). It qualified for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.[3]
History
It took part in its first preliminary competition for the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where it faced Niger and Ivory Coast. It managed a 0–0 draw with the latter in Gaborone, and lost its other 3 matches, finishing last in its group.
The next competition it entered was for the 2002 World Cup, where it faced Zambia in a 2-legged tie to decide which team would advance to the group stages. Zambia won both legs of the tie to qualify and knock Botswana out.
After this, Botswana lost 3–0 to Zambia and to second-string sides from South Africa and Zimbabwe at home in Gaborone. A draw with Madagascar which was ranked at 146th in the world at the time, led Botswana FA to sack manager Colwyn Rowe, who had guided Botswana to its then-highest ever FIFA ranking of 95th. BFA claimed this move was taken because it feared for his safety from angry fans. Stanley Tshosane was named as his replacement and in his first game in charge, Botswana achieved a 2–1 win away to Mozambique. While achieving a draw with Ivory Coast, Botswana finished bottom of its qualifying group for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Botswana defied its ranking to become the first team to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, beating Tunisia both at home and away. This coincided with a rise to its highest ever FIFA ranking of 53rd. It did not manage to build upon this upturn in form at the tournament, losing more narrowly to Ghana and Mali and more heavily to Guinea to finish bottom of its group with 0 points.
The truncated qualification format for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations saw Botswana face Mali in a two-legged tie, which Botswana lost 7–1 on aggregate. Botswana failed to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, finishing third in its group with 7 points behind South Africa and Ethiopia.
In October 2013, BFA sacked Tshosane, citing his "failing to meet the targets set for him". It subsequently appointed Englishman Peter Butler in February 2014.
Beating Burundi and Guinea-Bissau in the knockout rounds, it finished last in its qualifying group for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations with a single point. In its qualifying group for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, it finished third - 7 points behind qualifiers Burkina Faso and Uganda. In the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup, it beat Eritrea in the first round and won 2–1 at home against Mali in the first leg of the second round. A 2–0 win for Mali in Bamako meant that Botswana lost on aggregate and failed to make the group stages.
In July 2017, David Bright became manager of the Zebras for the 4th time after BFA chose not to renew Butler's contract. He led the team during qualifiers for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, in which Botswana scored only 1 goal in its 6 Group I matches.
Results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2023
2024
2025
Coaching history
- Caretaker managers are listed in italics.
Players
Current squad
The following players were called up for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.[4]
Caps and goals correct as of 26 June 2024, after the match against Eswatini
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
| 1GK | Victor James | (2002-08-27) 27 August 2002 (age 21) | 1 | 0 | Masitaoka |
| 1GK | Karamelo Kgosipula | (2003-02-06) 6 February 2003 (age 21) | 0 | 0 | Matebele |
| 1GK | Kenneth Mmoko | (1999-10-13) 13 October 1999 (age 24) | 0 | 0 | Sua Flamingoes |
| 1GK | Jovan Nikolic | (2001-09-09) 9 September 2001 (age 22) | 0 | 0 | Marinhense |
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| 2DF | Tebogo Kopelang | (2000-04-24) 24 April 2000 (age 24) | 21 | 0 | Security Systems |
| 2DF | Kitso Mangolo | (1999-01-06) 6 January 1999 (age 25) | 20 | 1 | Ihefu |
| 2DF | Thabo Babutsi | (2000-07-24) 24 July 2000 (age 23) | 3 | 0 | Township Rollers |
| 2DF | Atamelang Lesogo | | 1 | 0 | Orapa United |
| 2DF | Botsile Sakana | (2001-01-26) 26 January 2001 (age 23) | 1 | 0 | Masitaoka |
| 2DF | Obakeng Senono | (1999-09-29) 29 September 1999 (age 24) | 1 | 0 | Masitaoka |
| 2DF | Leruo Ratala | (2002-03-28) 28 March 2002 (age 22) | 0 | 0 | Gaborone United |
| 2DF | Bonno Sepako | | 0 | 0 | UB Hawks |
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| 3MF | Gape Thibedi | (2000-02-02) 2 February 2000 (age 24) | 11 | 0 | Gaborone United |
| 3MF | Olebogeng Ramotse | (1998-01-17) 17 January 1998 (age 26) | 9 | 0 | Masitaoka |
| 3MF | Tawana Mbakile | (2000-07-14) 14 July 2000 (age 23) | 5 | 0 | Security Systems |
| 3MF | Obakeng Ramotlhwa | (1999-07-26) 26 July 1999 (age 24) | 1 | 0 | Masitaoka |
| 3MF | Ricky Ratlhogo | (2000-12-08) 8 December 2000 (age 23) | 1 | 0 | Orapa United |
| 3MF | Ofentse Mbaiwa | (2003-06-10) 10 June 2003 (age 21) | 0 | 0 | Eleven Angels |
| 3MF | Boniface Ramolale | (2002-04-03) 3 April 2002 (age 22) | 0 | 0 | Masitaoka |
| 3MF | Shaun Theron | (2003-03-11) 11 March 2003 (age 21) | 0 | 0 | Jwaneng Galaxy |
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| 4FW | Molaodi Tlhalefang | (1997-07-07) 7 July 1997 (age 27) | 11 | 2 | Miscellaneous SC Serowe |
| 4FW | Eric Ookame | (2001-04-03) 3 April 2001 (age 23) | 4 | 0 | Eleven Angels |
| 4FW | Oarabile Sekwai | (1998-11-28) 28 November 1998 (age 25) | 4 | 0 | Police XI |
| 4FW | Lizo Skweyiya | (2004-01-01) 1 January 2004 (age 20) | 4 | 0 | Orlando Pirates |
| 4FW | Thabiso Bante | (1995-04-25) 25 April 1995 (age 29) | 2 | 0 | TAFIC |
| 4FW | Tshepo Keselebale | | 2 | 0 | Security Systems |
| 4FW | Bame Morwalela | (1999-03-25) 25 March 1999 (age 25) | 2 | 1 | Township Rollers |
Recent call-ups
The following players were last called up within the last twelve months.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
GK | Kabelo Dambe | (1990-05-10) 10 May 1990 (age 34) | 63 | 0 | Township Rollers | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
GK | Goitseone Phoko | (1994-12-13) 13 December 1994 (age 29) | 27 | 1 | Gaborone United | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
GK | Thabo Motswagole | (2000-04-22) 22 April 2000 (age 24) | 1 | 0 | Masitaoka | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
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DF | Mosha Gaolaolwe | (1993-12-25) 25 December 1993 (age 30) | 79 | 2 | Township Rollers | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
DF | Thatayaone Ditlhokwe | (1998-09-21) 21 September 1998 (age 25) | 31 | 2 | Kaizer Chiefs | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
DF | Alfred Velaphi | (1999-01-18) 18 January 1999 (age 25) | 23 | 0 | Gaborone United | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
DF | Motsholetsi Sikele | (1991-12-01) 1 December 1991 (age 32) | 4 | 0 | Township Rollers | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
DF | Mothusi Johnson | (1997-07-28) 28 July 1997 (age 26) | 24 | 0 | Gaborone United | v. Burundi, 25 March 2024 |
DF | Thato Kebue | (1997-05-29) 29 May 1997 (age 27) | 34 | 2 | Gaborone United | v. Guinea, 21 November 2023 |
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MF | Gape Mohutsiwa | (1997-03-20) 20 March 1997 (age 27) | 22 | 2 | ASO Chlef | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
MF | Godiraone Modingwane | (1996-06-26) 26 June 1996 (age 28) | 19 | 0 | Botswana Defence Force | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
MF | Gilbert Baruti | (1992-03-16) 16 March 1992 (age 32) | 9 | 0 | Jwaneng Galaxy | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
MF | Phenyo Serameng | (1996-09-27) 27 September 1996 (age 27) | 4 | 0 | Township Rollers | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
MF | Koketso Majafi | (1992-11-07) 7 November 1992 (age 31) | 1 | 0 | Orapa United | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
MF | Mpho Kgaswane | (1994-06-13) 13 June 1994 (age 30) | 21 | 2 | Gaborone United | v. Burundi, 25 March 2024 |
MF | Christopher Lemme | (1995-11-05) 5 November 1995 (age 28) | 3 | 0 | Security Systems | v. Burundi, 25 March 2024 |
MF | Thabo Leinanyane | (1993-07-27) 27 July 1993 (age 30) | 17 | 0 | Jwaneng Galaxy | v. Mozambique, 8 January 2024 |
MF | Lebogang Ditsele | (1996-04-20) 20 April 1996 (age 28) | 54 | 3 | Gaborone United | v. Guinea, 21 November 2023 |
MF | Mothusi Cooper | (1997-07-19) 19 July 1997 (age 26) | 25 | 0 | Gaborone United | v. Guinea, 21 November 2023 |
MF | Brandon Wilson | (1997-01-28) 28 January 1997 (age 27) | 0 | 0 | Hanoi | v. Guinea, 21 November 2023 |
MF | Gofaone Mabaya | (1995-08-31) 31 August 1995 (age 28) | 18 | 0 | Orapa United | v. Zimbabwe, 30 September 2023 |
MF | Lemogang Maswena | (1991-02-05) 5 February 1991 (age 33) | 7 | 1 | Jwaneng Galaxy | v. Zimbabwe, 30 September 2023 |
MF | Thabang Aphiri | (2003-08-03) 3 August 2003 (age 20) | 1 | 0 | Jwaneng Galaxy | v. Zimbabwe, 30 September 2023 |
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FW | Kabelo Seakanyeng | (1993-06-25) 25 June 1993 (age 31) | 61 | 10 | Olympique Khouribga | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
FW | Tumisang Orebonye | (1996-03-26) 26 March 1996 (age 28) | 48 | 5 | AS FAR | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
FW | Segolame Boy | (1992-11-07) 7 November 1992 (age 31) | 40 | 4 | Township Rollers | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
FW | Thabang Sesinyi | (1992-10-15) 15 October 1992 (age 31) | 23 | 3 | Jwaneng Galaxy | v. Somalia, 10 June 2024 |
FW | Thatayaone Kgamanyane | (1996-01-30) 30 January 1996 (age 28) | 26 | 5 | Gaborone United | v. Mozambique, 8 January 2024 |
FW | Monty Enosa | (2004-02-06) 6 February 2004 (age 20) | 5 | 0 | Masitaoka | v. Zimbabwe, 30 September 2023 |
Player records
- As of 10 June 2024[5]
- Players in bold are still active with Botswana.
Most appearances
Top goalscorers
Competitive records
FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup record | | Qualification record |
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA |
1970 to 1978 | Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member |
1982 to 1990 | Did not enter | Declined participation |
1994 | Did not qualify | 4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 9 |
1998 | Did not enter | Did not enter |
2002 | Did not qualify | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
2006 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 19 |
2010 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
2014 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 10 |
2018 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 4 |
2022 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
2026 | To be determined | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 5 |
2030 | To be determined |
2034 |
Total | | 0/11 | | | | | | | 40 | 12 | 6 | 22 | 39 | 58 |
Africa Cup of Nations
COSAFA Cup
Head-to-head record
As of 2 July 2024 after match against
Mozambique[6]
Key | Positive balance (more Wins) |
| Neutral balance (Wins = Losses) |
| Negative balance (more Losses) |
References
- ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
- ^ "BBC Sport – Football – Minnows Botswana qualify for Africa Cup of Nations". BBC News. 2011-03-26. Archived from the original on 2023-04-04. Retrieved 2013-11-15.
- ^ "Final Squad". Twitter. Botswana Football Association.
- ^ "Botswana – Record International Players". RSSSF. Archived from the original on 2022-07-10. Retrieved 2017-02-02.
- ^ "World Football Elo Ratings: Botswana". Elo Ratings. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 9 August 2017.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Botswana national football team.
- Botswana FA official site
- Botswana at CAF
- Botswana at FIFA
Botswana squad – 2012 Africa Cup of Nations |
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