04 May 2025

Former Zebras coach, Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd Stanley Tshosane, who passed away on April 25, was on Saturday laid to rest in his home village of Tati Siding in a moving funeral.

The memorial service held at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium began with a poignant procession. His body was carried on two laps of the stadium, a fitting tribute to his dedication and passion for the sport that defined his life. Following a two-lap procession around the stadium, a 68 second silence was observed in remembrance of Tshosane’s 68 years of life.

Speakers remembered the late ‘Bra Stan’, as he was affectionately known in football circles, as a true legend. Eulogies painted a picture of a man whose life was interwoven with the beautiful game and was a football legend whose passion burned bright until his final day. He was described as a hero and father figure, recalling his unwavering belief in his players, even when facing doubt.

Maokaneng Bontshetse, representing the Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, highlighted Tshosane’s deep love for his country and his criticism of the BFA’s failure to provide a support system for retired coaches.

“He argued that a system should exist to honour and recognise their contributions to football,” Bontshetse said.

Bontshetse also emphasised Tshosane’s commanding presence on the field, his empathetic understanding of players, and his belief in their inherent value to the game. He urged remaining coaches to emulate Tshosane’s commitment to prevent discarding talented players. Bontshetse said his mentorship extended to forming social clubs and scouting talent for the Zebras.

Former Zebras player, Phazha Butale told mourners that the late Tshosane mentored him, acting as a father figure.

“He was the first coach to lead our nation to AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) qualification, a feat we have just repeated, making his achievement even more significant,” he added.

Tshosane’s one time assistant, Kenneth Mogae said: “He was not just a coach, he was a general on the field, a humble leader, and a man of purpose.”

Mogae explained that Tshosane understood that discipline, not excuses, won matches.

“He believed in his players even when others doubted them. Our 2012 AFCON qualification was no fluke, it was a testament to his system,” he said.

MP for Tati East, Tlhabologo Furniture, appealed to the government to name a future stadium after Stanley Tshosane in recognition of his profound contribution to football.

The mayor of Francistown, Gaone Majere said the community of Francistown was saddened to learn of the passing of Tshosane, and thereby extended his condolences to Tshosane's family, friends and the people of Botswana on the loss of such an experienced coach.

Representing the media, Dikarabo Ramadubu and editor of the Guardian newspaper, said the late Tshosane was a football legend whose passion burned bright until his final day. He said his tactical brilliance on the field was matched only by his engaging spirit of it. Ramadubu said his legacy would echo through Botswana’s football history.

The late Tshosane, born 68 years ago, held some stints coaching at BDF XI, Mogoditshane Fighters and Gabane Santos, before coaching the national team, the Zebras. BFA recruited Tshosane to assist the then Zebras coach, Veselin Jelusic between 2002 to 2006.

He also served as assistant coach to Colwyn Rowe between 2006 and 2008 and upon the departure of Rowe he became a head coach for the Zebras. The late Tshosane, a former military officer, made history in leading the Zebras to the 2012 AFCON finals. He is survived by his wife, four children and a brother. ENDS