'Pointless' AFCON campaign requires raw, unfiltered review

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday January 13, 2026 09:47

It was more of the same as a rudderless Zebras surrendered against heavyweights, Senegal and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

There were hopes of at least the nation's first point in their final group stage match against Benin, but that too, ended in disappointment.

Up next, the Zebras were midair destined for the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport without landing a punch on their opponents.

A nation began searching for answers, but up to now there has been little movement, particularly from the mother body, the Botswana Football Association (BFA).

No statement of assurance, but there is swelling discontent over the performance of the team. Pointless and goalless, it ended in Morocco.

At least in Gabon 13 years ago, the Zebras managed a goal, although the campaign was clouded by a 6-1 rout at the hand of Guinea. In that game, Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane stroked home a 23rd minute penalty, which remains Botswana's only goal at the AFCON finals.

The crop of 2025 failed to improve that record. Last week, BFA chief operations officer, Kago Mosinyi said the review, both technical and administrative, is yet to take place.

But as the BFA prepares to sit down to carry out a postmortem that led to the three defeats in Morocco, discussions should be candid.

The BFA should put it to the coach that he was given targets which up to now have not been met. Morena Ramoreboli should provide the answers.

Equally, across the table, Morena Ramoreboli should look the BFA in the eye and ask if they really rendered the required support to make the team succeed.

It should be a no-holds-barred discussion; unfiltered and raw. But the chances of such are very slim, as it will likely be a 'hard luck' session, pat on the back and then life goes on.

The outcomes of the review should be a result of robust engagement, which should inform the next step. If they want Ramoreboli to continue, fair and fine, then the association should play ball as well.

It should be business unusual, as the review will impact the Zebras' upcoming assignments. The Zebras have become moribund in recent years, hardly eliciting excitement when they play. That has to change and it needs decisive actions from the BFA leadership, and not just lip service.

The association should do better, not where the team has a disastrous tournament, and the only discussions taking place are on social media.

By now, the least the association could have done is to issue a statement assuring the nation that there will be a comprehensive review of the campaign, and give direction on the way forward.

But no, it’s business as usual as if as a Sunday soccer tournament just concluded with players sharing a plate of pap and mokwetjepe, while sipping a quart of black label. It should be better than that.