Morena Ramoreboli Leaves Botswana to Join Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana Technical Team
Morena Ramoreboli is set to return to the Bafana Bafana setup after leaving his position as head coach of Botswana’s senior men’s national team, The Zebras, to join Pitso Mosimane’s technical team as assistant coach.
The move was announced jointly by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) on Tuesday, with Ramoreboli set to play a key role as Bafana Bafana prepare for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The appointment further highlights the growing football relationship between the neighbouring countries, while providing Ramoreboli with an opportunity to continue his coaching career at the highest level of African football.
Ramoreboli leaves Botswana having established a significant coaching legacy 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 impressive continental victories over South African giants Orlando Pirates and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC.
His biggest achievement with Botswana came during the 2024 AFCON qualifying campaign. Initially appointed as interim coach, Ramoreboli guided The Zebras to qualification for the continental tournament for the first time since 2012.
He was subsequently appointed permanent head coach in January 2025 and continued to strengthen the national team, instilling belief, discipline and competitiveness within the squad.
At the time of his departure, Ramoreboli was also involved in the BFA’s U23 Talent Identification Programme, travelling across Botswana to identify and assess emerging players for the national setup.
BFA President Oabile Tariq Babitseng acknowledged Ramoreboli’s contribution to Botswana football and wished him well in his new role.
“Morena Ramoreboli has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Botswana football, both at Jwaneng Galaxy and with The Zebras,” Babitseng said.
“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.”
Babitseng said the association would have preferred to retain the coach but respected his decision to take the next step in his career.
“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,” he added.
Proven Bafana Bafana experience
Ramoreboli is no stranger to the Bafana Bafana environment, having previously enjoyed success with the national team.
He famously guided Bafana Bafana to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title after taking charge under challenging circumstances. His team won the tournament without conceding a goal, highlighting his ability to organise a competitive side and get results in difficult conditions.
SAFA believes that experience will be valuable as Bafana Bafana embark on their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. Ramoreboli brings extensive knowledge of Southern African football, along with experience of CAF Champions League and AFCON environments. His tactical flexibility and ability to adapt to different opponents are also expected to strengthen Mosimane’s technical team.
SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed Ramoreboli back into the national-team setup.
“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,” Jordaan said.
“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.”
Jordaan added that Ramoreboli’s experience in Botswana had added another dimension to his coaching career and would complement Mosimane’s work.
“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.”
SAFA also thanked the BFA for its professional handling of Ramoreboli’s transition and reaffirmed the two associations’ commitment to strengthening football relations between South Africa and Botswana.
Ramoreboli’s arrival adds another experienced Southern African coach to the Bafana Bafana technical setup as South Africa prepares for the road to the 2027 AFCON.