Zebras look to pick momentum in Madagascar
The Zebras touched down in Antananarivo, Madagascar, this week for a four-nation tournament, hoping to pick up critical momentum ahead of the resumption of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in June.
Coach Didier Gomes Da Rosa picked a balanced squad that contains foreign-based players for games against Rwanda and Burundi.
First up is Rwanda today before the Zebras wrap up their Madagascar tour against Burundi on Monday as the team looks to fully utilise the FIFA international week.
Da Rosa has made a positive impact since taking over last year November, with a big win against West African giants, Guinea. He, however, fell 3-2 to Mozambique in the opening fixture of the World Cup qualifiers. In his third game in charge, the Zebras drew 1-1 with Mozambique and Da Rosa is eyeing an improvement as the Zebras fine tune for the qualifiers. Speaking to the media in Madagascar ahead of today’s game against Rwanda, Da Rosa said: “We thank Madagascar for the tournament. It gives us the opportunity to improve and strengthen our game. In our last game, we did well (against Guinea), and the team is improving. I am proud to be the coach of these players,” Da Rosa said.
“Against Rwanda, it will be a tough match. Rwanda is improving a lot. We have injuries to players who did not travel with us but it is a good opportunity to try others,” he added.
Da Rosa, who previously coached in Rwanda, said while the East African country is close to his heart, it will be a different ball game tomorrow. “I know some of the players in the Rwanda team. I was in Rwanda three years ago. Some of the players were young when I was there. Rwanda is very important to me but tomorrow it’s a different story on the pitch as I want my team to win. We need a win to gain confidence. There is a lot of expectation from the association and Botswana fans and we have to prove that we are prepared to take a step (forward),” he said during the media briefing.
His captain, Mosha Gaolaolwe, also hailed the Zebras’ participation at the tournament. “We are so happy to be here. This tournament will help us prepare for the World Cup qualifiers,” Gaolaolwe said.The Zebras are in Group G of the World Cup qualifiers alongside Algeria, Mozambique, Guinea, Somalia, and Uganda. They sit second with three points from two games, with the next match on June 3 away to Uganda.
The Zebras squad Goalkeepers: Goitseone Phoko, Thabo Motswagole (Gaborone United), and Maikano Tladinyana (Security Systems)
Defenders: Mosha Gaolaolwe (Township Rollers), Tebogo Kopelang (Security Systems), Tshepo Maikano, Mothusi Johnson, Alford Velaphi (all Gaborone United), Benson Mangolo (Ihefu, Tanzania), and Obakeng Senono (Masitaoka)
Midfielders: Olebogeng Ramotse (Masitaoka), Phenyo Serameng (Township Rollers), Tlhalefo Molebatsi, and Botshelo Mangena (both Police XI) Strikers: Tumisang Orebonye (Asfar, Morocco), Kabelo Seakanyeng (OC Khourigba Morocco), Molaodi Tlhalefang (Gaborone United), Thabang Sesinyi (Jwaneng Galaxy), and Christopher Lemme (Security Systems)