We won't bow to public pressure-BFA
Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday January 13, 2026 09:53
There were concerns over the local team's preparations in the build-up to the tournament held in Morocco, and the gaps were evident as the Zebras struggled to leave a mark.
Botswana became the first team to head home after three straight defeats, which triggered mixed public reactions, including calls to relieve coach, Morena Ramoreboli of his duties.
However, in an interview, BFA chief operations officer, Kago Mosinyi said they will not be forced into impulsive decisions.
'Admittedly, the AFCON was a significant milestone and as with any major tournament, it is important that we allow space for reflection rather than rush to conclusions. The BFA is following its established governance processes,' he said.
'The technical leadership, including the coach, falls within a structured review framework and those discussions will be undertaken formally and responsibly. At this stage, no predetermined outcome has been reached, and any decision will be informed by a holistic assessment rather than emotion or public pressure,' Mosinyi added.
Following the Zebras' elimination on December 29, Mosinyi said there has been no formal assessment of the performance both at technical and administrative levels.
'However, the mirage of it all is that on one hand, qualification itself was an achievement that speaks to progress and resilience. On the other hand, AFCON once again highlighted the gap between participation and genuine competitiveness at the highest level.
'The lessons relate not only to match day performance but also to depth, preparation cycles, player readiness and the broader ecosystem that supports elite football. These insights will inform future planning,' he said.
Responding to a question on concerns over the team's preparedness, Mosinyi said the worries are understandable given that results did not meet expectations.
However, he emphasised that preparations cannot be examined over a single training camp or period.
'What is important to acknowledge is that preparation is not a single event or camo, it will never be entirely adequate. It is the product of months and, in truth, years of consistent systems, resources and alignment. While certain aspects worked well, others clearly require strengthening,' Mosinyi said.
'Rather than assigning blame, the Association's focus is on identifying where improvements are needed and ensuring that future campaigns benefit from a more robust and sustainable preparation model. We the BFA remain committed to steady, thoughful progress.
'Our responsibility is not only to respond to the moment, but to build a foundation that serves Botswana football well into the future,' he further said.
The Zebras failed to improve on their maiden AFCON appearance performance in 2012 where they also lost their three group stage matches, and boarded the earliest flight back home. However, back then, qualification alone was seen as a significant achievement as it was a first for the country.
In their second appearance, the Zebras were tasked with progressing past the group stages, despite odds heavily against the side.
Ramoreboli had promised, prior to the team's departure for Morocco, that for every contest there is a Goliath, but the slaying moment never came as Senegal and DRC handed the Zebras identical 3-0 defeats, while Benin's solitary goal was enough to inflict the early damage.