Botswana showed big potential in producing exciting talent such as former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Mogakolodi Ngele. But why has the production line stopped? KickOff finds out.
The likes of Diphetogo 'Dispy' Selolwane and Mogogi Gabonamong paved the way for stars such as Ngele and Phenyo Mongala to make a name for themselves in the PSL.
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However, in spite of Botswana big teams such as Jwaneng Galaxy reaching the CAF Champions League group stages, there has not been other quality Batswana players gracing the Betway Premiership.
Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe is currently the only shining light in the PSL from a Botswana perspective, a country with a huge potential.
An insider in Botswana football, speaking to KickOff on condition of anonymity, has suggested that coaches in the country are not brave enough to play youngsters and prioritize older players, hence the talent pool has narrowed.
"I regard Botswana as a sleeping giant but they still need to be shaken and told, 'You can achieve this!'. If you check Jwaneng Galaxy they play mostly with Batswana players, that tells you something," the insider revealed.
"They've been producing players to North Africa, also Thatayaone Ditlhokwe at Kaizer Chiefs.
"But what Botswana need to do, they've been keeping older players who have done good and that denies the youngsters an opportunity to shine.
"For them to generate talent, because it has been difficult for them to produce another Mogakolodi Ngele. It is not to say the other Ngeles are not there, they are there," the insider said.
"But clubs are skeptical to try the youngsters and throw them in at the deep end. The more you keep these youngsters on the bench, the more they are discouraged," the stakeholder added.
Former PSL stars such as Thabo Rakhale, Sifiso Myeni and Rooi Mahamutsa have in recent times wound down their careers in the Botswana Premier League.