Pitso Mosimane appoints Morena Ramoreboli as Bafana Bafana assistant coach

Pitso Mosimane has appointed Morena Ramoreboli as his assistant coach as Bafana Bafana begin preparations for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The move follows an agreement between the South African Football Association (Safa) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) allowing Ramoreboli to leave his role as head coach of the Zebras in Gaborone.

Ramoreboli will begin working with Mosimane and the Bafana Bafana technical team ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea at the end of the month.

Safa believes Ramoreboli’s international experience, tactical adaptability and knowledge of football in the region will strengthen the national team’s coaching set-up. He also has a record of improving players and building competitive teams.

“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,” said Safa president Danny Jordaan.

“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.

“His experience in Botswana has added another important dimension to his coaching career. We believe his qualities will complement those of coach Pitso Mosimane and strengthen the Bafana Bafana technical team as we begin the journey towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.”

Ramoreboli’s appointment brings an end to his time in Botswana, where he made a significant impact at both club and international level.

BFA president Oabile Tariq Babitseng said the association accepted that Ramoreboli had been presented with an important opportunity to advance his career, despite wanting to keep him in charge of the national team.

“Morena Ramoreboli has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Botswana football, both at Jwaneng Galaxy and with the Zebras.

“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.

“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.”

Ramoreboli established his reputation in Botswana during a successful spell with Jwaneng Galaxy. He guided the club to two Botswana Premier League titles and twice took them to the group stages of the Champions League.

Among the most notable results during his Champions League campaigns were victories against Orlando Pirates and Wydad Casablanca.

His achievements with Botswana’s national team were equally significant. Ramoreboli helped the Zebras qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast, ending the country’s 12-year wait to reach the tournament.

He now joins Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana staff with the team preparing for the next stage of their route towards the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.