Amidst criticism, BFA launches Zebras campaign
Mqondisi Dube | Monday November 24, 2025 06:00
The Zebras fly out to Morocco to join 23 other nations for the 2025 edition, where they are paired against Senegal, Benin and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
However, there have been concerns that the team is under-prepared for the first game against a dangerous Senegal side just four weeks away.
In a bid to build momentum, the BFA announced this week that it was launching the 'AFCON season campaign', which will result in many activities in the run-up to the tournament.
'As part of the campaign, the BFA unveils its strategic plan, outlining key communication activities, engagement and content milestones to keep the supporters informed, inspired and connected throughout the tournament,' the BFA said in a statement.
The campaign was launched on Monday, November 17, 2025, under the tag 'Football Unites', and on Friday, November 21, 2025, the 'Wear Zebras Fridays' kicks off.
'From this Friday, every Motswana, wherever you are, we expect you to be wearing the blue, black and white colours,' BFA chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo, said.
On Monday, November 24, 2025, the final AFCON squad will be named, whilst the BFA will also unveil the official AFCON jersey. The BFA will also announce partners involved in the AFCON journey.
Mfolo encouraged fans to buy the replica jersey in their numbers. Coach Morena Ramoreboli has named a 55-man preliminary squad, but they have not joined camp as the league action continues until next weekend.
The BFA will hold a send-off ceremony for the squad on December 3, 2025, as the Zebras make their second AFCON finals appearance.
Between December 9 and 14, 2025, there will be media activations 'in collaboration with strategic partners to unite the nation behind the team.'
The BFA said from December 21, 2025, when the tournament kicks off, to January 18, 2026, there will be extensive AFCON coverage and fan engagement. Fan parks and live match parties will be set up, as well as Zebras merchandise giveaways.
Mfolo said the fact that the Zebras have been paired with World Cup-bound Senegal and DRC, which has qualified for a continental play-off, means there will be a lot of interest in the Botswana matches.
'In terms of tourism, we will do well. With more than two billion viewership, during that time, Botswana will be in the eyes of the people,' he said.
Mfolo believes the team, despite a tough group, will go beyond the group stages.
'The faith that carried us during the qualifiers is the same faith that will carry us during the tournament and will ensure that we go beyond the group stages. Like we always say, beyond the group stages, it is all for the taking.'
Meanwhile, Mfolo has said the Zebras will play friendly matches before the tournament starts, and that the team will make up for its inactivity during the recent FIFA international week.
'Yes, we have lined up to play two international friendly matches - I cannot reveal opponents for now. We missed the FIFA Week, November 10 to 18, during which ordinarily we could have played two international friendly matches. We will make up for that for the month-long camp we will be engaged in,' he told MmegiSport this week.