AFCON squad lacking South African-based players highlights a shift, as
insiders point to changing club dynamics and player reluctance to move
abroad.
As Botswana’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ends in the group stage, their
squad composition has spotlighted a notable trend: the absence of players
from South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL). This marks a significant
shift for The Zebras, who once heavily relied on talent developed in Mzansi.
Botswana’s final 23-man squad for the tournament featured no PSL-based
players, a stark contrast to neighbors like Zambia, Mozambique, and
Zimbabwe, who continue to benefit from their stars playing in South Africa.
This lack of top-flight international experience was evident in their
performances, including a 3-0 loss to Senegal.
The pipeline that once brought players like Mogakolodi Ngele, Phenyo
Mangala, and former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe to the PSL
has seemingly closed. According to a stakeholder within Botswana football,
this decline is closely tied to the changing role of one key club, Township
Rollers.
“If you remember, the team that was bringing players from Botswana to the
PSL was Rollers, through an investor named Somerset [Gobuiwang],” the source
explained. “The likes of Ngele, Ditlhokwe, goalkeeper Kabelo Dambe—all of
them were coming from one team. So it was only one-sided.”
The insider further suggested that a cultural reluctance among Botswana
players to seek opportunities abroad has compounded the issue.
“We have to push them out,” the source stated. “But Botswana players don’t
really like to go play outside of their country, and as a result, they don’t
get exposed to that level of professionalism. Playing at AFCON without
international experience puts them at a clear disadvantage.”
With the traditional feeder club dynamic altered and a perceived lack of
outward ambition, Botswana finds itself rebuilding without the crucial PSL
foundation that once fortified its national team.
