Siwelele new signing Goitseone Pheko has been named in Botswana’s 26-man squad for their Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against co-hosts Uganda, as they look to consolidate their strong start rto the campaign qualifying for the 2027 finals.

The 31-year-old Phoko joined the Bloemfontein-based club at the start of the season and played in their opening three games of their Betway Premiership campaign but has not featured since

He was, however, first choice for the Zebras when they drew away with Libya and Tunisia in their opening two Group H qualifiers in September.

Also in the squad, which is being coached by Thaloba Nthaga after Morena Ramoreboli’s left to be Pitso Mosimane’s assistant with Bafana Bafana, is former Kaizer Chiefs and SuperSport United defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, who is now playing in Jordan.

Benson Mangalo, who played a single game for Richards Bay last season, is also in the squad after returning to Gaborone United while Kabelo Seakanyeng, who was at Chippa United and TS Galaxy and now plays in Saudi Arabia, is also in the 26-man squad.

Botswana are away at Hoima City Stadium for the first meeting with the Cranes on Saturday before hosting Uganda at home next Tuesday, November 17.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Victor James (CAPS United, Zimbabwe), Thabo Motswagole (Gaborone United), Goitseone Phoko (Siwelele, South Africa)

Defenders: Thatayaone Ditlhokwe (Al Wehdat, Jordan), Mosha Gaolaolwe (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Tebogo Kopelang (Jwaneng Galaxy), Benson Mangolo (Gaborone United), Chicco Molefe (Jwaneng Galaxy), Thato Mosweunyane (Tonota), Botsile Sakana (Jwaneng Galaxy), Alford Velaphi (Gaborone United)

Midfielders: Gilbert Baruti (Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Mothusi Cooper (Tonota), Lebogang Ditsile (Gaborone United), Godiraone Modingwane (Botswana Defence Force XI), Gape Mohutsiwa (Ittihad Tanger, Morocco), Olebogeng Ramatse (Jwaneng Galaxy), Omphile Ramoagi (Gaborone United)

Forwards: Thatayaone Kgamanyane (Gaborone United), Odilele Lekoba (Enesia), Thabo Maponda (Gaborone United), Tumisang Orebonye (Hassania Agadir, Morocco), Losika Ratshukudu (Bolepu, Croatia), Kabelo Seakanyeng (Al Entesar, Saudi Arabia), Thero Setsile (Tonota), Godfrey Tauyatswala (Jwaneng Galaxy).