ZEBRAS STRIPES OFF Morena Ramoreboli sheds Botswana’s zebra identity to join Bafana Bafana
“Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the Zebras project. From the bottom of my heart thank you for the support I got from you. I also thank all the clubs in the premier league. To the supporters, I know it was not an easy journey, but thanks for always been there supporting us.” – departing Ramoreboli.
Botswana football shook a little this Tuesday as national team Head Coach Morena Ramoreboli shed his Zebra stripes out of the blue. It turns out that his employers in Botswana as well as the next employers across the border had been having a conversation about his departure judging by the football brotherhood the two football governing bodies displayed in releasing a joint statement late Tuesday afternoon.
Ramoreboli is already packing his bags for Johannesburg after being named Assistant Coach to Pitso Mosimane in the Bafana Bafana technical team, ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. The move, announced jointly by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) and the South African Football Association (SAFA), marks a new chapter for one of Southern Africa’s most respected tacticians.
From Galaxy Glory to National Pride
Before joining the senior national football team, the Zebras, Ramoreboli had conquered the Botswana Premier League twice with Jwaneng Galaxy, taking them to the CAF Champions League group stage and even humbled continental giants Orlando Pirates and Wydad AC along the way.
But his crowning moment came in 2024, when he guided The Zebras to AFCON qualification for the first time since 2012. That achievement earned him the permanent head coach role in January 2025, and since then, he has been the heartbeat of Botswana football.
BFA’s Farewell with Pride
BFA President Oabile Tariq Baitseng praised Ramoreboli’s legacy, saying his impact “will remain an important part of Botswana’s football history.” He added that while Botswana would have loved to keep him, “we respect his decision to take the next step in his coaching career.”
The BFA hailed his professionalism and commitment, noting that his work with the U23 Talent Identification Programme helped shape the next generation of local stars.
Back to Familiar Turf
Ramoreboli is not new to the Bafana setup. He famously led South Africa to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title without conceding a single goal. SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan said the coach’s return “adds another important dimension” to the national team’s ambitions.
“Morena knows South African football, understands African football, and has shown he can build competitive teams,” Jordaan said. “His experience in Botswana will complement Coach Pitso Mosimane as we begin the journey to the 2027 AFCON.”
A Symbol of Regional Unity
Both football associations used the announcement to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening ties between South Africa and Botswana, promising continued collaboration in developing football across the Southern African region.
As Ramoreboli swaps the blue of The Zebras for the gold of Bafana Bafana, questions abound as to who the BFA will look to take over, especially after Ramoreboli had already named the squad for the next AFCON assignment.
In a video statement, Ramoreboli expressed gratitude to the leadership of BFA, the technical team, players, supporters and the media for helping him grow through both support and scrutiny of his work. “It’s not an easy period for me to say goodbye to a family that I have built over the years, but it’s time for me to say goodbye. There will be a time when we meet again and we will still celebrate and still be friends and brothers,” the coach said.
