Ramoreboli joins Bafana Bafana technical team as assistant to Mosimane

Sports

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (NPA) — Coach Morena Ramoreboli will leave his position as Head Coach of Botswana’s senior men’s national team, The Zebras, to join the Bafana Bafana technical team as Assistant Coach to Head Coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.

The development was announced in a joint statement on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA).

The associations said Ramoreboli’s transition reflected the strong footballing relationship between the neighbouring countries and would provide him an opportunity to continue his coaching career at the highest level of African football.

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Ramoreboli leaves Botswana football after making significant contributions at club and national-team levels. During his time with Jwaneng Galaxy, he won two Botswana Premier League titles and guided the club to the CAF Champions League group stage twice.

His teams also recorded notable continental victories over South African giants Orlando Pirates and Moroccan powerhouse Wydad AC.

His biggest achievement came during the 2024 AFCON qualifying campaign when, initially serving as interim coach, he guided The Zebras to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2012. He was subsequently appointed permanent head coach in January 2025.

Under his leadership, Ramoreboli brought discipline and competitiveness to the national team while contributing to the development of Botswana football. Before his departure, he was also involved in the BFA’s U23 Talent Identification Programme to identify and assess emerging talent across the country.

BFA President Oabile Tariq Babitseng said Ramoreboli had made a “meaningful and lasting contribution” to Botswana football.

“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,” Babitseng said.

Ramoreboli returns to the Bafana Bafana environment with considerable domestic, continental and international experience. His previous involvement with the national team saw him guide South Africa to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title, winning the competition without conceding a goal.

SAFA said Ramoreboli would bring international experience, tactical flexibility, regional knowledge and an ability to maximise the potential of players and teams to the technical team.

SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed him back, saying he had earned the opportunity through his achievements and continued growth as a coach.

“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 said.

He added that Ramoreboli’s experience in Botswana had strengthened his coaching profile and expressed confidence that his qualities would complement those of Mosimane as Bafana Bafana begin their journey towards the 2027 AFCON.

SAFA thanked the BFA for its professional handling of the transition and said both associations remained committed to strengthening football relations and development across Southern Africa.