11 Nov 2019

Zebras head coach, Adel Amrouche has selected a 25-man squad with a good blend of youth and experience as the senior national football team prepares for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

The Zebras are to take on neighbours Zimbabwe and African champions Algeria on November 15 and 18 respectively.

They play Zimbabwe away in Harare on Friday before hosting continental giants, Algeria on Sunday at the National Stadium in Gaborone.

Township Rollers defender cum midfielder Ofentse Nato has returned to the squad, but Amrouche has largely kept most of the team that recently played an international friendly against Egypt away in Cairo.

Nato, Mogakolodi “Tsotso” Ngele, Kenanao “Flo” Kgetholetsile, Lemponye “FC” Tshireletso, Maano Ditshupo and Kabelo Dambe are among the experienced players who will be expected to guide the young contingent selected.

Extension Gunners striker, Misani Thupa is one of the players who has been called into the national team for the first time.

Amrouche said in an interview that the team was ready to face their opponents despite the challenges he encountered in preparing for the game. He said his hope was on their Egypt training camp, which he said would help them to execute their game plan.

He said what was needed was collaboration with local clubs because it was difficult for him to have all the players that he needed in camp.

“We have tough games ahead of us. Zimbabwe is a strong side, Algeria on the other hand are Africa champions,” he said.

Asked if he believed he had selected players who would represent the country with gusto, he said they were players who were ready to play at the national team with commitment.

“You see last time when I called the players for the Egypt training camp, some of them did not come, so for one to play at the national team, he has to be determined,” he said.

The Zebras have been drawn in Group H together with Algeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe,

Goalkeepers: Ezekiel Morake (TS Galaxy, South Africa), Lesenya Malapela (Orapa United) Kabelo Dambe (Township Rollers).

Defenders: Tshepo Maikano (Gaborone United), Lesenya Ramoraka (Highlands Park, South Africa), Onkarabile Ratanang, Simisani Mathumo, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Township Rollers); Mosha Gaolaolwe (TS Galaxy, South Africa), Kaelo Kgaswane (Security Systems), Mmoloki Kepalepile (Extension Gunners)

Midfielders: Ofentse Nato, Maano Ditshupo, Tlhalefo Molebatsi, Lemponye Tshireletso ( Township Rollers); Mogakolodi Ngele (Black Leopards); Gape Gaogangwe (Orapa United); Mpho Kgaswane (Zira FC, Azerbaijan,Thatayaone Ramatlapeng (Security Systems), Keeagile Kobe (BDF XI)

Strikers: Kenanao Kgetholetsile (Security Systems), Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Tumisang Orebonye (Township Rollers ), Kabelo Seakanyeng (Lija Athletic, Malta), Misani Thupa (Extension Gunners). ENDS