Orebonye’s Defiant Rise Through North Africa’s Football Battleground

Fresh from a gym session, sweat still visible on his brow, Tumisang “Teenage” Orebonye appears on a video call from Tripoli with a calm demeanor and focused gaze. The 29-year-old striker, speaking to The Business Weekly & Review from the Libyan capital, exudes the quiet confidence of a man who has defied the odds—and intends to keep doing so. Orebonye is no ordinary footballer. The Lecheng-born forward is the first and only player from Botswana to play professionally in Morocco, Algeria, and now Libya—regions where football is more than a sport; it is a way of life. His journey through North Africa stands as one of the most remarkable stories in Southern African football. “Playing in North Africa has been a unique and eye-opening journey,” he says. “Each country has its own culture, intensity, and style. In Morocco, the game is technical and tactical. In Algeria, it’s physically demanding. And in Libya, the passion and professionalism are just as high, even with all the challenges the country faces.” Raised in the small village of Lecheng in Botswana’s Central District, about 20 kilometers east of Palapye, Orebonye’s early life was marked by tragedy. He lost both parents at a young age—a hardship that, he says, instilled in him the resilience he now channels on the pitch. “Losing my parents taught me to survive, to stay grounded, and to never take anything for granted.” Orebonye’s North African journey began in 2020, when he left Botswana Premier League giants Township Rollers to join Morocco’s Olympique Khouribga. In January 2023, he moved to Algeria’s USM Alger, where he made history as the first Motswana to win the CAF Confederation Cup. “That moment meant everything,” he recalls. “Winning the Confederation Cup wasn’t just about me—it was about Botswana. It was about proving that we can compete at the highest level in Africa.” Following that triumph, he briefly returned to Morocco with AS FAR Rabat in early 2024 before Libyan giants Al Ittihad came calling. The club triggered a US$500,000 release clause in his contract—a testament to his value. “My new club has the most titles in Libya, but they haven’t played in CAF competitions for two or three years,” he explains. “The aim is to change that by winning the league and cup. We want to return to the biggest stages in Africa—to rewrite the club’s history.” Orebonye speaks with the clarity of someone who knows what he represents. His personal ambitions align with Al Ittihad’s goals: to restore continental glory, lead on and off the field, and deliver when it matters most. “Being a consistent goal scorer, bringing experience, leading from the front—that’s what I’m here to do,” he says. “The fans expect results, and I want to help deliver that.” But life in North Africa has its challenges. Language barriers, cultural shifts, and drastic climate changes can test even the most seasoned professionals. “The hardest part is communication, especially when you first arrive,” he says. “You don’t always understand your teammates or the coach. But I make an effort to learn key phrases. It’s important to be humble and open-minded. Respecting the culture helps you settle in.” These experiences, he adds, have helped him mature—not only as a footballer, but as a person. “Living in different countries teaches you patience, resilience, and how to work with people who think differently from you. It’s made me a better person.” As the only Motswana to play professionally across North Africa’s three major footballing nations, Orebonye understands the responsibility that comes with his visibility. “It’s something I carry with pride,” he says. “Representing Botswana in places where football is intense and respected is an honor. I see it as opening doors for other Batswana players.” His message to young footballers at home is simple—and powerful. “Dream big. Stay disciplined. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Football can take you far if you respect the game and stay focused,” he says. “If I can do it, they can too. Nothing is impossible with hard work and belief.” Now in his fifth year in North Africa, Orebonye stands as one of the few Southern African players to succeed in one of the continent’s toughest footballing environments. “I’m not finished,” he says, his voice steady with conviction. “There’s more to achieve, more history to write.” And as he prepares for another season with Al Ittihad, one thing is clear: Orebonye isn’t just chasing trophies—he’s chasing legacy, and taking Botswana with him.

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