The coach’s position comes amid growing tensions between the Botswana Football Association (BFA) and domestic clubs over preparations for next month’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Uganda.Reports indicate that several Premier League clubs are unhappy with the BFA’s request to release players ahead of the international window to accommodate preparations for a proposed friendly match against India. The clubs are reportedly unwilling to sacrifice more league fixtures, arguing that previous international breaks have already disrupted the domestic calendar and forced teams into a demanding schedule of midweek and weekend matches.Furthermore, concerns have been raised over player fatigue, particularly as local clubs rely heavily on road transport for away fixtures. However, rather than pushing for additional preparation time, Nthaga believes the national team must adjust to the realities of international football. Speaking in an interview on MmegiChannel’s Sport On show, the interim coach confirmed that the Zebras would assemble on November 8, maintaining that Botswana should adopt the same international calendar practices followed elsewhere.“The team will be coming into camp on November 8, when the FIFA international break resumes. I think as Botswana we need to adopt that reality and work within the international break period because that is practice across the world. Everyone else is doing that,” Nthaga said.His remarks come at a time when the relationship between the BFA and Premier League clubs is being tested by competing demands for players.According to reports, the BFA received an invitation for the Zebras to play a friendly match in India, although the proposed fixture falls outside the official FIFA international window.The development has reportedly frustrated some clubs, which believe the national team’s preparations should not repeatedly come at the expense of domestic competitions. The reports further suggest that clubs complained that previous interruptions had left teams struggling to catch up with their fixtures, while the combination of frequent matches and lengthy road trips was taking a toll on players.There have also been allegations that the association attempted to persuade certain clubs to support another suspension of league matches to accommodate the national team. Nevertheless, Nthaga appears determined to find common ground with the clubs rather than deepen the disagreement. The interim coach believes closer cooperation between the national team technical staff and domestic coaches could help address some of the recurring challenges surrounding player availability and preparations.“What I would like maybe moving forward is to have conversations with the clubs, meet the individual clubs, because the players spend most of the time with the clubs. So, as national team coaches, we need to have that conversation,” he said.His position places greater emphasis on consultation and planning, particularly as domestic clubs continue to balance their league commitments with the demands of international football.Meanwhile, Nthaga has named a 26-man squad for the November 14 encounter against Uganda before the return leg in Gaborone, with the omission of Mpho Kgaswane emerging as one of the major talking points. The creative midfielder has scored three goals in the FNB Premiership this season, but has been left out despite his experience and creative qualities.However, Nthaga declined to disclose the circumstances surrounding the midfielder’s absence, explaining that he had held private conversations with individual players before making his selections.“As a coach, I have conversations with the individual players. We have those conversations. These are the conversations that happened behind, and of course I need to protect the players as a coach,” he said.“When I pick a team, I look at the opponents, how we want to play, so I pick players based on those.I pick the profiles that I feel would come and help the team.”The coach did not indicate that Kgaswane had rejected a call-up, instead emphasising that his squad selections were informed by the opposition and the tactical requirements of the upcoming assignment.On the other hand, national team captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe returns to the squad, providing experience and leadership in defence.The Al-Wehdat SC defender is amongst several foreign-based players selected alongside the likes of Tumisang Orebonye, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Losika Ratshukudu, and Gape Mohutsiwa.Nthaga has also included some of the domestic league’s in-form attacking players, notably Thabo Maponda of Gaborone United (GU), Jwaneng Galaxy’s Godfrey Tauyatswala, and Enesia FC’s Odirile Lekoba, who have scored hat-tricks in the league.Meanwhile, Morupule Wanderers head coach Pontsho Moloi is set to miss another national team camp after Nthaga confirmed that his technical team would remain unchanged.Moloi previously served as first assistant coach under former Zebras coach Morena Ramoreboli, alongside second assistant Oarabile Seabo.“The national team technical team will remain as it was in the previous games. There are no changes,” Nthaga said.The final Zebras 26-man squadGoalkeepers: Goitseone Phoko (Siwelele FC, South Africa), Thabo Motswagole (GU), Victor James (CAPS United, Zimbabwe)Defenders: Mosha Gaolaolwe (Chiefs), Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Al-Wehdat SC, Jordan), Tebogo Kopelang, Botsile Sakana, Chicco Molefe (all Galaxy), Alford Velaphi, Benson Mangolo (both GU), Thato Mosweunyane (Tonota FC)Midfielders: Godiraone Modingwane (BDF XI), Lebogang Ditsele, Omphile Ramoagi(both GU), Olebogeng Ramotse (Galaxy), Gape Mohutsiwa (Ittihad Tanger, Morocco), Gilbert Baruti (Chiefs), Mothusi Cooper (Tonota FC)Attackers: Losika Ratshukudu (Bolepu, Croatia), Tumisang Orebonye (Hassania Union Sport d’Agadir, Morocco), Thatayaone Kgamanyane, Thabo Maponda (both GU), Thero Setsile (Tonota FC), Godfrey Tauyatswala (Galaxy), Odirile Lekoba (Enesia FC), Kabelo Seakanyeng (Al-Entsar FC, Saudi Arabia)Head coach: Thaloba ‘Machine’ Nthaga
