Botswana pay tribute to Morena Ramoreboli after Bafana move

Botswana Football Association (BFA) president Oabile Babitseng has praised Morena Ramoreboli’s contribution to the national team after the coach left to join Pitso Mosimane’s backroom staff with South Africa.

Ramoreboli has stepped down as head coach of The Zebras to become an assistant coach under Mosimane, who recently began a new chapter as Bafana Bafana boss.

His departure leaves Botswana searching for a new national team coach, but Babitseng said the BFA respected Ramoreboli’s decision to take what he described as an important step in his coaching career.

“Morena Ramoreboli has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Botswana football, both at Jwaneng Galaxy and with The Zebras,” Babitseng told SAFA.net.

“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.”

Ramoreboli helped Botswana end a 12-year wait for an AFCON appearance, a feat Babitseng said would define the coach’s time in charge.

While admitting the BFA would have preferred to keep him, Babitseng said the association understood the significance of the opportunity to work alongside Mosimane with South Africa.

“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 added.

Babitseng also emphasised the close relationship between the Botswana and South African football associations, expressing confidence that Ramoreboli’s experience would benefit the regional game.

“Our relationship with SAFA remains strong, and we are pleased that a coach who has contributed so much to Botswana football will now have an opportunity to contribute to Bafana Bafana,” he said.

“We thank Morena for his commitment, professionalism and service to Botswana football.

“We congratulate him on this new opportunity and remain confident that his experience and expertise will continue to contribute to the growth of football in the region.”