Zebras have been left without a head coach after Morena Ramoreboli quit the national team to join Bafana Bafana’s technical team, just hours after naming a preliminary squad.
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) and South African Football Association (SAFA) confirmed Ramoreboli’s departure in a joint statement, saying he will take up the role of assistant coach to Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The timing of the move has caught local football followers off guard, with Ramoreboli having announced a preliminary Zebras squad earlier in the day as part of preparations for the national team’s upcoming assignments.
BFA president Oabile Tariq Babitseng said the association would have preferred to retain the coach but understood the significance of the opportunity.
“Morena Ramoreboli has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Botswana football, both at Jwaneng Galaxy and with The Zebras,” Babitseng said.
He added, “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 Ramoreboli’s decision was respected despite the setback to the national team.
“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,” he said.
Ramoreboli leaves the Zebras after overseeing one of the most successful periods in the national team’s recent history.
Initially appointed on an interim basis, he guided Botswana to qualification for the 2024 AFCON finals, ending a 12-year wait before being appointed permanent head coach in January 2025.
His success also extended to club football, where he won two Botswana Premier League titles with Jwaneng Galaxy and twice guided the club to the CAF Champions League group stage.
He also recorded memorable victories over South African giants Orlando Pirates and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC.
SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed Ramoreboli back to the Bafana setup, saying his experience would strengthen the technical team.
“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.
Ramoreboli previously guided Bafana to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title without conceding a goal.
The BFA is now expected to appoint an interim technical team to oversee the Zebras as the association considers its next move.
