Dambe eyes historic AFCON return but third choice role looms
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday December 1, 2025 06:00
The provisional list has sparked debate, with familiar faces missing. MmegiSport Correspondent KABELO BORANABI assesses the selection, with a closer look at the goalkeeping department (BLURB) Kabelo Dambe was the third-choice keeper in 2012 at 21, behind Modiri Marumo and Noah Maposa, and did not see a minute as the Zebras were booted out in the group stages.
Thirteen years on, he is the most experienced of the current quartet, yet experience alone does not guarantee a starting berth.
The goalkeeper battle features Orapa United’s Lesenya Malapela, Goitseone Phoko from Jwaneng Galaxy and Keoagile Kgosipula.
Malapela has been the most consistent performer in the local league in recent seasons and has steadily built a reputation as a dependable deputy.
Phoko played in all the qualifying matches but suffered an injury at the end of 2024, which limited his playing time at club level, where he shares responsibilities with Victor James.
Kgosipula has impressed with his modern sweeper-keeper style, making him the frontrunner for the starting role.
With Kgosipula expected to start, Phoko could assume the deputy position, leaving Dambe once again in contention for third-choice duties.
However, Dambe’s leadership and vast experience may prove decisive, especially in a tournament where mentoring younger players can be as critical as minutes on the pitch. Fans and pundits agree that whilst Dambe may not start, his presence in the squad brings a stabilising influence and this could see him make the cut ahead of Malapela.
Head coach Morena Ramoreboli has stressed that selection was based on form, impact, experience, and emerging talent.
This philosophy explains surprise picks such as Chiefs’ winter recruit Shanganani Ngada, who impressed during his debut season in the top flight with TAFIC and maintained consistent performance after his switch to Magosi.
In midfield, Rollers’ Omphile Vissagie tops his team’s scoring chart with four goals, whilst Godiraone Modingwane, recently returning from a knee injury, is steadily regaining full fitness.
Mothusi Cooper, Lebogang Ditsele, and Algerian-based Gape Mohutsiwa offer depth and quality in central areas.
The attacking line promises firepower, with Tumisang Orebonye, Thabang Sesinyi, Thatayaone Kgamanyane, and Eric Ookame, who collectively boast over 200 league goals.
Emerging talents like Losika Ratshukudu and Thapelo Balatlheng offer versatility and pace, providing Ramoreboli with multiple tactical options in Morocco.
The defence, meanwhile, blends experience and youth. Mosha Gaolaolwe and Thabo Leinanyane bring leadership from the back, whilst Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Ngada, Tebogo Kopelang, Alphord Velaphi, Mothusi Johnson, and Chicco Molefe combine reliability with attacking support.
Ramoreboli’s choices in both defence and attack suggest a balanced approach, giving the Zebras flexibility to adapt to different opponents.
Provisional Zebras AFCON 2025 Squad
Goalkeepers: Lesenya Malapela (Orapa United), Keoagile Kgosipula (Chiefs), Goitseone Phoko (Galaxy), Kabelo Dambe (Rollers)
Defenders: Mosha Gaolaolwe (Rollers), Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Al-Ittihad, Libya), Shanganani Ngada (Chiefs), Tebogo Kopelang (Galaxy), Alphord Velaphi (GU), Mothusi Johnson (GU), Chicco Molefe (Rollers), Thabo Leinanyane (Rollers)
Midfielders: Godiraone Modingwane (BDF XI), Gape Mohutsiwa (MC Oran, Algeria), Omphile Vissagie (Rollers), Mothusi Cooper (Rollers), Lebogang Ditsele (GU), Koketso Majafi (Orapa United), Monty Enosa (Chiefs), Gilbert Baruti (Chiefs), Olebogeng Ramotse (Galaxy), Thabo Maponda (GU), Omphile Ramoagi (GU)
Forwards: Thabang Sesinyi (Galaxy), Omaatla Kebatho (Galaxy), Kabelo Seakanyeng (MAS Fes, Morocco), Tumisang Orebonye (Wydad AC, Morocco), Segolame Boy (Sua), Eric Ookame (Orapa United), Thapelo Balatlheng (Rollers), Losika Ratshukudu (Ubuntu FC, South Africa), Thatayaone Kgamanyane (GU)