Botswana’s senior men’s national team coach Morena Ramoreboli has left his position with the Zebras to join the Bafana Bafana technical team as assistant coach to newly appointed head coach Pitso Mosimane.
The development was confirmed this week through a joint statement issued by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) and South African Football Association (SAFA), bringing an end to Ramoreboli’s tenure as Zebras coach.
Ramoreboli’s move comes as South Africa prepares for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
His departure marks the end of a significant chapter in Botswana football, particularly after he played a central role in guiding the Zebras back to the continental stage. Ramoreboli’s biggest achievement with the national team came during the 2024 AFCON qualifying campaign. Initially appointed as interim coach, he guided Botswana to qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2012. He was subsequently appointed permanent head coach in January 2025. His tenure was characterised by a disciplined and competitive Zebras side, while his involvement extended beyond the senior national team.
At the time of his departure, Ramoreboli was also involved in the BFA’s U23 Talent Identification Programme, travelling around the country to identify and assess emerging players for the national setup. The coach also leaves behind an impressive club record from his time with Jwaneng Galaxy, where he won two Botswana Premier League titles and guided the club to the CAF Champions League group stage on two occasions.
For Ramoreboli, the move represents a return to familiar territory. He previously worked with the Bafana Bafana and guided them to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title. South Africa won the tournament without conceding a single goal during Ramoreboli’s tenure. SAFA believes his experience in domestic, continental and international football will strengthen the Bafana Bafana technical team.
His Galaxy teams also recorded notable continental victories against South African giants Orlando Pirates and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC. BFA President Tariq Babitseng said the association would have preferred to retain Ramoreboli but said it respected the coach’s decision to pursue the new opportunity. “Morena Ramoreboli has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Botswana football, both at Jwaneng Galaxy and with The Zebras,” said Babitseng.
He described Ramoreboli’s role in ending Botswana’s 12-year wait for AFCON qualification as 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,” Babitseng said.
Babitseng also said the move would not affect the strong footballing relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
For Ramoreboli, the move represents a return to familiar territory. He previously worked with the Bafana Bafana and guided them to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title. South Africa won the tournament without conceding a single goal during Ramoreboli’s tenure. SAFA believes his experience in domestic, continental and international football will strengthen the Bafana Bafana technical team. His knowledge of Southern African football, experience in CAF Champions League and AFCON environments, and tactical flexibility are expected to add depth to Mosimane’s technical setup.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed the coach back into the national team, saying Ramoreboli had earned the opportunity through his achievements and continued development as a coach.
“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,” said Jordaan.
