The South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) have today announced that Botswana’s national senior coach, Zebras’ Morena Ramoreboli will leave his position to join the Bafana Bafana technical team as Assistant Coach to Head Coach Pitso Mosimane, ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign effective immediately.
The transition reflects the strong footballing relationship between the two neighbouring countries and provides Ramoreboli with an opportunity to continue his coaching journey at the highest level of African football. Both Associations acknowledge his significant contribution to Botswana football during his tenure and wish him every success as he begins this new chapter.
A SUCCESSFUL CHAPTER WITH BOTSWANA
The news comes weeks after Mosimane was spotted in Gaborone in the company of the BFA President Babitseng ahead of the assosiation’s gathering – move pundits describes as mutual and respectful. Ramoreboli leaves Botswana football having made a lasting contribution at both club and national- team level.
During his time with Jwaneng Galaxy, he won two Botswana Premier League titles and guided the club to the CAF Champions League group stage on two occasions. His teams also recorded notable continental victories over South African giants Orlando Pirates and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC.
His most significant achievement came during the 2024 AFCON qualifying campaign when, initially serving as interim coach, he guided The Zebras to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2012. He was subsequently appointed permanent Head Coach in January 2025.
Under his leadership, Ramoreboli brought belief, discipline and competitiveness to the national team, while also contributing to the broader development of Botswana football. At the time of his departure, he was actively involved in the BFA’s U23 Talent Identification Programme, travelling across Botswana as part of efforts to identify and assess emerging talent for the national setup. This formed part of his broader commitment to creating pathways for the next generation of Botswana footballers.
Reached for comment, the BFA President Oabile Tariq Babitseng said,
“Morena Ramoreboli has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Botswana football, both at Jwaneng Galaxy and with The Zebras. His role in guiding the national team to the Africa Cup of Nations after a 12-year absence will remain an important part of his legacy. We would naturally have preferred to retain him, but we understand the significance of this opportunity and respect his decision to take the next step in his coaching career. Our relationship with SAFA remains strong, and we are pleased that a coach who has contributed so much to Botswana football will now have an opportunity to contribute to Bafana Bafana. We thank Morena for his commitment, professionalism and service to Botswana football. We congratulate him on this new opportunity and remain confident that his experience and expertise will continue to contribute to the growth of football in the region.”
Ramoreboli returns to the Bafana Bafana environment with considerable experience at domestic, continental and international level. His previous involvement with Bafana Bafana produced an outstanding achievement when he guided the national team to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title, taking charge under challenging circumstances and leading the team to the trophy without conceding a goal.
WHAT RAMOREBOLI BRINGS TO BAFANA BAFANA
SAFA believes Ramoreboli brings a valuable combination of international experience, tactical flexibility, regional knowledge and a proven ability to maximise the potential of players and teams. His experience of competing in CAF Champions League and AFCON environments, together with his knowledge of Southern African football and familiarity with players across the region, will add further depth to the Bafana Bafana technical team. Ramoreboli has demonstrated an ability to adapt his approach according to the opposition, combining possession, tactical organisation and the effective use of transitions. His experience in national-team environments will also contribute to preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Meanwhile,SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said:
“We are delighted to welcome Morena Ramoreboli back into the Bafana Bafana environment. He has earned this opportunity through his achievements and his consistent growth as a coach over many years. Morena knows South African football, understands African football and has demonstrated that he can build competitive teams, develop players and deliver results in challenging circumstances. His experience in Botswana has added another important dimension to his coaching career. We believe his qualities will complement those of Coach Pitso Mosimane and strengthen the Bafana Bafana technical team as we begin the journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.”
Jordaan further said, SAFA further extends its appreciation to the Botswana Football Association for the professional manner in which it has handled Ramoreboli’s transition and for its continued cooperation. The two Associations reaffirm their commitment to strengthening football relations between South Africa and Botswana and to continued collaboration in the development of football across the Southern African region.
