Ngada to pip seasoned campaigners for AFCON place?
Kabelo Boranabi | Friday December 5, 2025 10:01
The stakes are brutal as Zebras face a trio of free-scoring group opponents that include outright favourites Senegal, dark-horse DRC and the tricky Benin.
The three teams pumped in 24 goals during the just-ended qualifiers with Senegal alone bagging 10, the third-highest tally in the phase.
Benin and DRC added seven each, and in comparison, the Zebras leaked seven goals in six outings, one of the worst records amongst the qualified teams.
This could mean Ramoreboli sleeps with one eye open when it comes to his defensive decisions.
His provisional eight-man defensive unit offers experience, form, and a few headaches. The overseas-based skipper, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, returns after earlier friction and immediately stabilises the spine.
Ditlhokwe remains the only left-footer in central defence and is expected to reclaim the armband.
Township Rollers stalwart Mosha Gaolaolwe is the obvious frontrunner at his side, and yet Jwaneng Galaxy’s Tebogo Kopelang, who has occasionally been preferred in the past, could complicate that pairing, especially with Gaolaolwe sometimes pushed into midfield.
The flanks are much calmer territory as Gaborone United’s Alphord Velaphi and Mothusi Johnson have locked down the right and left full-back roles, respectively. The pair's qualifiers minutes echo their key roles in the team.
Galaxy’s Chicco Molefe is set to deputise Johnson on the left after a standout showing against Egypt in the last qualification game, whilst Thabo Leinanyane, who brings versatility and reliability, waits in the wings as Velaphi’s cover.
But the real battle lies at centre back, where one slot behind Ditlhokwe appears open to genuine competition as Shanganani Ngada enters the fray.
He has yet to debut for the Zebras, but his trajectory over the last 18 months in the top flight has been steady and loud.
Strong in his duels, comfortable on the ball, and armed with those trademark long throws, he offers a different flavour to Ramoreboli’s defensive menu.
If he is to make the flight to Morocco, he would realistically have to edge out Leinanyane or Kopelang; a bold call, but not an impossible one, as Ramoreboli has sprung surprises in the provisional 32-member squad. Nganda's inclusion would signal confidence in form over familiarity.
For a team preparing to face some of Africa’s most ruthless strike forces, the room for error could prove fatal. Ramoreboli's headache will be to decide whether experience will carry the day, or whether there is space for a fresh disruptor in the heart of his defence.
The final AFCON squad is expected to be unveiled on Sunday during the Zebras’ send-off dinner, and all eyes will be on whether Ngada’s name survives the chop.