Botswana name squad to take on Mauritania, Egypt

Botswana champions Jwaneng Galaxy dominate the list of players called up by the national team for their opening two matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.

Galaxy, who will clash with Orlando Pirates in the second round of the African Champions League in mid-September, have nine players in the 35-man squad named by coach Didier Gomes da Rosa to take on Mauritania away on Saturday, September 7 and then host Egypt at home in Francistown three days later.

There are four foreign-based players in the selection, including captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe from Kaizer Chiefs.

Ronaldo Fortune, who plays in the lower tiers in the United States, has received a first call-up. The 26-year-old played at under-20 level for Botswana before going on a soccer scholarship to the University of Mobile in Alabama.

The squad also includes experienced goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe, who previously played in South Africa at the now-defunct Platinum Stars and Bloemfontein Celtic

SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Kabelo Dambe (Township Rollers), Victor James (Jwaneng Galaxy), Kenneth Moko (Sua Flamingoes), Goitseone Phoko (Jwaneng Galaxy)

Defenders: Nico Babutsi (Township Rollers), Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Mosha Gaolaolwe (Township Rollers), Mothusi Johnson (Gaborone United), Tlamelo Kolagano, Tebogo Kopelang (both Jwaneng Galaxy), Atamelang Lesogo (Orapa United), Benson Mangolo (Jwaneng Galaxy), Botsile Sekana, Obakeng Senono (both Orapa United), Motsholetsi Sikele (Township Rollers), Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United)

Midfielders: Gilbert Baruti (Jwaneng Galaxy), Thatayone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United), Koketso Majafi (Orapa United), Tawana Mbakile (Sua Flamingoes), Gape Mohutsiwa (ASO Chlef, Algeria), Olebogeng Ramotse (Jwaneng Galaxy), Ratlhogo Ratlhogo, Gape Thibedi (both Orapa United)

Forwards: Segolame Boy (Township Rollers), Monty Enosa (unattached), Ronaldo Fortune (SC United Heat, USA), Christopher Lemme (Township Rollers), Onkabetse Makgantai (Jwaneng Galaxy), Tumisang Orebonye (Royal Armed Forces, Morocco), Kabelo Seakanyeng (Olympqiue Khourigba, Morocco), Oarabile Sekwai (Orapa United), Thabang Sesinyi (Jwaneng Galaxy), Molaodi Tlhalefang (Gaborone United), Bakanmg Tsholang (Police XI).