Africa awaits the historic second appearance of the Botswana national team, nicknamed "The Zebras," when they face the former champion Senegal on Monday in the first round of group stages at the Africa Cup of Nations, prompting followers to wonder: Why is the Botswana national team given this nickname?
National Symbol
The zebra is Botswana's national symbol, as the stripes on its body signify harmony among the different races in the country, of which the Tswana race constitutes 79%, followed by Kalanga and Basarwa and 7% of Indians and whites.
Burchell's Zebra
This is the most common zebra species in Botswana, named after the British naturalist William John Burchell (1781-1863) who discovered it at the beginning of the 19th century.
Migratory Animal
There are two zebra migrations in Botswana: the first is to the Chobe and Linyanti during the dry season, and the second to the Savuti marsh and the Mababe depression following the rains.
Longest Land Migration
In one migration, the zebras travel between 500-1000 km back and forth to survive, which is the longest land migration in Africa.
Seeking the First Win
The Botswana national team is one of three teams that have not won any match in their history at the Africa Cup of Nations, having lost three matches in their first participation against Ghana, Guinea, and Mali in the 2012 edition.
Why is the Botswana national team nicknamed "The Zebras"?
Africa awaits the historic second appearance of the Botswana national team, nicknamed "The Zebras," when they face the former champion Senegal on Monday in the first round of group stages at the Africa Cup of Nations, prompting followers to wonder: Why is the Botswana national team given this nickname?
National Symbol
The zebra is Botswana's national symbol, as the stripes on its body signify harmony among the different races in the country, of which the Tswana race constitutes 79%, followed by Kalanga and Basarwa and 7% of Indians and whites.
Burchell's Zebra
This is the most common zebra species in Botswana, named after the British naturalist William John Burchell (1781-1863) who discovered it at the beginning of the 19th century.
Migratory Animal
There are two zebra migrations in Botswana: the first is to the Chobe and Linyanti during the dry season, and the second to the Savuti marsh and the Mababe depression following the rains.
Longest Land Migration
In one migration, the zebras travel between 500-1000 km back and forth to survive, which is the longest land migration in Africa.
Seeking the First Win
The Botswana national team is one of three teams that have not won any match in their history at the Africa Cup of Nations, having lost three matches in their first participation against Ghana, Guinea, and Mali in the 2012 edition.
