Team Heritage & Identity
Botswana's national football team - affectionately known as The Zebras - carries the spirit of a nation that gained independence in 1966 and founded its football association in 1970. The nickname comes from Botswana's national animal, the zebra, which appears prominently on the country's coat of arms and symbolises the nation's beauty and unity. Over the decades, The Zebras have transformed from continental underdogs to a team capable of competing with AFCON’s established powers.
The breakthrough moment arrived in 2012 when Botswana qualified for their first Africa Cup of Nations, hosted in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Though they exited in the group stage, the tournament marked a turning point. Dipsy Selolwane scored Botswana's first-ever AFCON goal from the penalty spot against Guinea, a moment that remains etched in the nation's sporting memory. That campaign featured a golden generation including Jerome Ramatlhakwane, Moemedi Moatlhaping, and goalkeeper Modiri Marumo.
More recently, Mogakolodi Ngele became one of Botswana's most recognizable exports, enjoying successful spells with Mamelodi Sundowns and other top South African clubs. The national colours - blue and white - are drawn directly from Botswana's flag, where light blue represents water (the nation's most precious resource) and white symbolises peace. When The Zebras take to the pitch, they carry the hopes of a football-mad nation that has steadily climbed the continental ranks.
Kits Over Time & Recent Innovations
Botswana's football shirts have evolved significantly since the team's early days. The traditional home kit features a sky blue base, often accented with white trim or stripes that echo both the national flag and the zebra's distinctive pattern. Early designs were simple affairs, but modern iterations incorporate technical fabrics and contemporary design elements while respecting the core identity.
The 2012 AFCON kit holds special significance for collectors and supporters. Manufactured during that historic tournament, it featured bold design choices that made The Zebras stand out on television screens across the continent. The vertical stripe patterns paid subtle homage to the team's namesake animal while maintaining the clean, professional aesthetic expected at major tournaments.
Away kits have traditionally inverted the colour scheme, featuring white as the primary colour with blue accents, though some editions have experimented with darker tones. These alternative shirts are often used during qualifiers for the World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, giving The Zebras a distinctive look in away fixtures across the continent.
Our Product Range & What You'll Find
On this Botswana shirts page you have access to:
Home & Away match shirts (men's, women's, youth sizing where available)
Supporter / replica versions with official licensing and quality manufacturing
Training tops and performance wear for those who want to train like The Zebras
Casual t-shirts and lifestyle pieces for everyday support
Retro and concept shirts celebrating historic designs and imaginative alternatives
Custom Personalisation (names, numbers, custom texts)
Each of our supporter shirts can be customised - choose current stars like captain Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, creative midfielder Kabelo Seakanyeng, or forward Tumisang Orebonye who plies his trade in Libya. Honour legends like Dipsy Selolwane or Mogakolodi Ngele, or add your own name and number to make it uniquely yours.
When browsing, make sure to check related collections - for instance our AFCON section featuring regional rivals. These Southern African nations share competitive histories with Botswana, making their shirts natural companion pieces for collectors building regional sets.
Within product pages you may find links to kit care guides, authentic vs replica comparisons, and size guides - these resources help you select the right fit and maintain your shirt long term, preserving those special printing details and vibrant colours.
How to Choose & Tips
Fit & style: Decide between more form-fitting match cuts (athletic builds) or looser supporter cuts (comfortable for all-day wear and layering).
Official vs concept / unofficial: Some designs are officially licensed by the Botswana Football Association, others are fan interpretations or concept styles. We always indicate licensing status clearly on product pages.
Personalisation: Adding name & number is popular - choose standard fonts that reflect what players use on the pitch, or customise freely with your own text. All printing uses heat-applied techniques for durability through countless washes.
Limited & retro items: Stock of historic kits (particularly the 2012 AFCON edition) can be limited. Sign up for restock notifications or contact our team if you're hunting specific items.
Kit care: To preserve your Botswana shirt's quality, wash inside-out on cold settings, avoid harsh detergents that might damage printing, and air dry where possible. Never iron directly onto printed areas. These simple steps ensure your shirt remains match-ready for years.
Why Shop With Us
We're a dedicated football retailer with deep passion for the sport, especially teams like Botswana that represent the growing strength of African football. Our Botswana range is backed by fast worldwide shipping, secure checkout, and attentive customer support. Unlike template stores, we curate only genuine designs and keep your experience real - we know the difference between fans who remember Selolwane's historic penalty and those discovering The Zebras for the first time.
Whether you're from Gaborone, Francistown, or supporting from abroad, we're here to help you find the perfect Botswana shirt. From current season releases to retro classics, training gear to lifestyle pieces, our collection celebrates a national team on the rise. With 2025 AFCON qualification secured and a talented squad competing in leagues across Africa and beyond, there's never been a better time to back The Zebras.