04 May 2025

Former and current players of Botswana national soccer team, the Zebras, remember Stanley Tshosane their late head coach, as a dedicated father figure and a true professional football manager.

They describe him as a respected leader, a man who instilled a deep love for the sport, and one whose demise leaves a significant void in the country’s footballing community.

Mokgathi ‘Pro’ Mokgathi, a former striker, first met Tshosane in 2006 when he played for BDF XI, with Tshosane as coach. He recalls Tshosane as a humble, yet commanding figure who fostered a sense of family within the team.

“He was not just a coach, but a mentor who cared about his players’ wellbeing beyond the field,” he added.

He said the late Tshosane, who is a Jackalas 1 native, was also a father figure.

“There was time for football and time to discuss life issues,” he said, adding that Tshosane encouraged his players to look beyond soccer, urging them to pursue other opportunities, get married, build families, and possess land.

Mokgathi further indicated that the bond Tshosane forged with his players remained strong, with many of them still connected as a family. He led the Zebras to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a significant achievement of the first coach to qualify Botswana for the continental tournament.

Further highlighting his devotion, Mokgathi added that Tshosane, a devout Christian, was also a man of strategy and meticulous preparation. Mokgathi recounted an instance during an AFCON campaign in Mali, where Tshosane, disguised as a groundskeeper, meticulously observed the opposing team’s practices to gain insights.

Tsotso Ngele, a Zebras midfielder, remembers Tshosane as a jovial man who was equally demanding on the field. Ngele credited Tshosane with bringing him into the national team in 2008, and remembered the coach’s unwavering passion and intense focus on the game, a strict coach who emphasised concentration and dedication.

He recalled Tshosane’s ability to inspire many of his players to become successful administrators in the football world. 

The laughter still echoes in Kagiso Tshelametse’s memory, who recalls the late Tshosane as a man whose jovial presence could lighten up any room.

“He was always laughing, always bringing happiness. We would laugh until it hurt, but he always made sure the work got done, and he did it with such dedication.”

He said Tshosane was not just a coach, but a mentor too.

“He cared deeply about the players’ development, both on and off the field, guiding them towards becoming responsible adults,” Tshelametse added, explaining that even under previous head coaches in the like of Colwyn  Rowe, Tshosane’s maturity shone through.

He stated that his dedication and leadership eventually led him to the head coach position, where he guided the team to the 2012 AFCON qualifiers.

Tshelametse recalled those days with a smile, remembering the camaraderie, the laughter and the shared ambition alongside such players as Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi, now the Zebras assistant coach. The memory of Tshosane, the man who combined infectious joy with unwavering commitment, remains a cherished part of his career.

Tshosane was laid to rest on Saturday in Tati Siding after a morning’s funeral service at Francistown’s Obed Itani Chilume Stadium. ENDS