2026 World Cup - Gomes da Rosa: "Two home games to build momentum"

Almost two years after your spell in Mauritania ended early, following the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, you are back in Africa, more precisely in Botswana. You are also the first Frenchman to manage the Zebras…

Since leaving Mauritania, I have coached Al-Wehdat in Jordan, then two clubs in Saudi Arabia, Al-Aïn and Al-Taraji. One day, I was contacted by an African federation (Libya, editor's note), which was looking for a head coach. And I was asked to watch that team in a qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, against Botswana. The Zebras had won (1-0, on 17 June), and I had liked their performance. And a few weeks ago, I learnt that their coach, Mogomotsi Mpote, had not been kept on by the federation. So I put together a project and applied. Then things moved quickly, and I was hired.

How long is your contract?

I have committed until the end of the season, next June (with Botswana). But the contract can be renewed. We will take stock then. I am in charge of the senior side, but I will also keep an eye on the youth teams, women's and men's. It is a broad and interesting project, and there is a lot of work to do. Of course, there are the two upcoming games, against Mozambique and Guinea, two good teams who will take part in the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, in the World Cup qualifiers.

Two games you will play at home, in Francistown…

Yes, in a lovely stadium. Playing two games at home (in Botswana) is a good chance to get off to an encouraging start in this group, which also contains Algeria, the big favourites, Uganda, who are a good side, and Somalia, about whom we don't know much. These two games in Francistown are a chance to give the group good momentum, if we get results. We will try to do well in this group, to put in good performances and pick up points. We are well aware that several teams are stronger than us. There is one direct qualifier per group, and the four best runners-up will play play-offs. It will be very difficult, but we have the ambition to do good things. The aim is to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

"I really wanted to coach Botswana"

What can you tell us about Botswana football?

I have watched the national team's games, and I have also been to several local league matches, where there are quality sides in Botswana, such as Township Rollers, Jwaneng Galaxy, Gaborone United and Orapa United. There are well-run clubs, and others with far fewer resources. The football played in Botswana is comparable to South Africa's: a dynamic, forward-moving game. There are quality players here.

Players who rarely move abroad…

It's true that many internationals play in the local league. There are a few players abroad, in Algeria, Morocco, Vietnam and South Africa. Together with the staff and the federation, we will look at which Botswana players are based abroad and could be eligible for the national team. In fact, some players have approached the Botswana federation.

Read on the same subject: 2026 World Cup (Q): fixtures for matchdays 1 and 2

Have you already settled in Gaborone?

Yes, I have taken a flat in the city. I have already travelled around the country a bit to watch some games. I already feel very good in Botswana. It is a lovely country, calm and safe, the people are warm and they really love football. I wanted to return to work in Africa, a continent where my coaching career really began. I have worked in many countries (Sudan, Algeria, Rwanda, Mauritania, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Guinea). I had contacts with Libya, and also Afghanistan, but I really wanted to become Botswana head coach. I am very happy to have been chosen by the federation, the project is interesting and I can't wait for 16 November, against Mozambique… I would also like us to be able to play friendlies, possibly before the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, against teams that have qualified for the finals. Botswana need to be able to face teams other than Lesotho or Eswatini…

Alexis BILLEBAULT