The Jwaneng Galaxy shot stopper, who played a pivotal role in the Zebras booking their ticket to Morocco, sustained his injury early into the season, which saw him retire his number one jersey at his parent club to Victor James. The latter has been deputised by Ryan Brown who has been recalled from his loan spell at Mochudi Centre Chiefs with Phoko out nursing his injuries. However, when announcing his much anticipated 26 men squad that is set to take on Algeria and Somalia in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, Ramoreboli named Phoko.
The South African gaffer stated that Phoko is a world class goalkeeper who came through for his country when it needed him so he cannot be overlooked when assembling a team that will dawn the blue, black and white colours. "Kabelo Dambe and Phoko were the members who were very key in us qualifying for Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and we felt that with him being ready to play, fit to compete, it is very important for us to have him," Ramoreboli said. With questions raised if Chichima is out of the woods with his long spell injury, Ramoreboli highlighted that he has been cleared after being closely monitored. "We held our camp in Jwaneng where we made our assessments and we established that he is ready to play, fit to compete. We have enough time to bring him in camp to make sure that he gives us what he usually gives us," he said. Ramoreboli explained that Phoko's experience will come in handy for the country as they face the Northern giants, Algeria, in crucial match on Friday at Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown played at 3pm. The gaffer has also recalled back Thero Setsile to the national team after a long spell of being overlooked by previous coaches.
The last time Setsile was called to camp was when playing for Gaborone United when he was removed from camp on grounds of ill-discipline allegedly. Speaking on Setsile's inclusion, Ramoreboli said the lanky forward deserves the national call up. "Thero Setsile has been consistent this season and I want to say he deserves to be part of this team. He has bagged goals in this season and proved himself," he said. Botswana starts their World Cup qualifiers assignments against Algeria at home before playing Somalia away next week Tuesday 3pm local time. Currently the Zebras stands at position three, three points off the group leaders Algeria who are on nine points. Only the group leaders automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup while the runner-ups will have another shot in the play-offs.
The 26 men squad: Lesenya Malapela, Kabelo Maphakela, Goitseone Phoko, Alford Velaphi, Kitso Mangolo, Mothusi Johnson, Kemoneetswe Mmangwedi, Thabo Leinanyane, Tebogo Kopelang, Mosha Gaolaolwe, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Gift Moyo, Gilbert Baruti, Lebogang Ditsile, Godiraone Modingwane, Koketso Majafi, Gape Mohutsiwa, Reneilwe Batlokwa, Theo Shadikong, Segolame Boy, Tshepo Keselebale, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Thero Setsile, Thabang Sesinyi, Godfrey Tauyatswala, Tumisang Orebonye.
