It is now being reported that several Botswana players, including former Kaizer Chiefs defender Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, may withdraw their commitment to Morena Ramoreboli's squad.
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) finds itself in a worrying financial situation, with the organisation recently confirming that it will need at least 28 million Pula (approximately R37 million).
Read: 'My most important goal was against Pirates'
The BFA stated that these funds would be used to support the country’s senior men’s and women’s national teams ahead of their participation in CAF tournaments later this year.
"We have appealed and (are) still appealing to the business community to assist us," said BFA CEO Mfolo Mfolo, according to MmegiOnline.
The financial crisis has clearly had an impact on Morena Ramoreboli’s side, with matters reportedly reaching breaking point during the previous international break in March 2025.
Former Chiefs defender Ditlhokwe, who joined Libyan giants Al-Ittihad in January, was dropped from a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Algeria in March allegedly due to behind-the-scenes tensions and conflict with the BFA, according to reports from Botswana.
It is reported by MmegiOnline that the tension arose after Ditlhokwe expressed frustration over issues related to unpaid allowances and other concerns regarding player welfare.
The situation has reportedly escalated to the point where Ditlhokwe and other players are considering abandoning the Botswana national team altogether.
"I can confirm that we have received a complaint from the Zebras captain... We wrote two letters to the BFA seeking their official stance, but we have not received any response despite follow-ups," said Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB) president Onalethata Tshekiso, according to Pan-African Football.
"Secondly, the affected player (Ditlhokwe) and his teammates have advised that in the absence of any response or official communication from the BFA disputing what circulated on social media, they will reconsider their position concerning the Zebras on account of this disrespect and dishonesty."
Read: Amajita score R3.6m in big win
By Lukhanyo Mtuta
Follow him here on X
