‘Small’ domestic league serves big dreams
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday February 16, 2026 09:04
Whilst instability at clubs and scarce sponsorships have tested players, the local scene has also become a launchpad for those daring enough to dream.
Connections to South Africa and North Africa have turned the league into a stepping stone, attracting regional household names like Benedict Vilakazi, Manqoba Ngwenya, and recently Evans Rusike.
Some thrived, others stumbled, but a handful turned Botswana into a career-defining chapter. Here is a handful that have sprung into bigger dreams.
Daniel MsendamiA relatively unknown Zimbabwean forward, Msendami’s big break came at Jwaneng Galaxy after a quiet stint at Highlanders and a loan spell at Vumbachikwe FC. At 21, he permanently joined Galaxy, winning the league in his debut season, the FA Cup in his second, and earning player-of-the-tournament honours. His CAF Champions League exploits caught the eyes of the continent’s scouts. After a failed approach by Orlando Pirates in 2023, he joined Marumo Gallants in the same year, dazzling fans, before finally being snapped up by the Buccaneers in January this year, where he has already made three cameo appearances. A debut in the Zimbabwe national team since his Galaxy days, Msendami remains one of the rare Zimbabweans to make it on the local shores.
Benson ShilongoOnce an unknown in Namibia, Shilongo’s fortunes changed at Gaborone United, where he spent four seasons before moving to South Africa’s Platinum Stars. A Mascom Top 8 top scorer, he then moved north to Egypt, playing for Pyramids, Smouha, and Ismaily SC, before heading to Maccabi Bnei Reineh in Israel and eventually Saudi Arabia. At 34, he is back home, now a football agent, boasting over 30 caps and nine goals for Namibia.
Terence MandazaThe young Mandaza caught the attention at TASC FC in 2006, eventually signing for Township Rollers amidst transfer tussles involving multiple clubs. His 2009-2010 season remains legendary, 31 league goals, eight in cup competitions, summing up a staggering 39-goal campaign, still a local record. Platinum Stars recruited him next, with his peak coming at Maritzburg United (2012-2015). The Zimbabwean also had a short stint in Thailand before returning to Botswana, playing for Rollers, Jwaneng Galaxy, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, and Black Forest. Today, Mandaza is giving back as an assistant and striker’s coach at Plateau Sporting Club in Kasane.
Tendai NdoroFormer Zimbabwe forward, Ndoro kicked off his professional career at Nico United in 2009, finishing as top scorer in both seasons before moving to Chicken Inn. South Africa’s Mpumalanga Black Aces signed him, where he scored 14 goals in 41 league matches. He then dazzled at Orlando Pirates with 17 goals in 37 matches before a brief Saudi Arabia stint. Sadly, the prolific striker passed away in August 2025 at 40, leaving a legacy of goals and inspiration.
Atisang BatsiA South African who made his name in the lower leagues of North West, Batsi crossed to Botswana in his early 30s, becoming an icon at Jwaneng Galaxy and winning the Top 8 Cup twice. Returning home, he joined Orbit College FC, helping them earn their first-ever elite league promotion in 2023. At 44, he is now the oldest player in the South African Premiership, proving that age is just a number.
The local league may not always be easy, but for those who navigate its highs and lows, it can be a launching pad to continental stardom.