Morena Ramoreboli joins Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana coaching team

Morena Ramoreboli has been appointed as Pitso Mosimane’s 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 position as head coach of Botswana’s national team, the Zebras.

Ramoreboli will work with Mosimane and the rest of the technical staff ahead of South Africa’s qualifying matches against Guinea and Eritrea at the end of the month.

The 40-year-old coach arrives with extensive regional experience and a strong record of improving teams and players. His appointment also adds knowledge of African football and tactical adaptability to Mosimane’s backroom staff.

“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 departure brings to an end a successful spell in Botswana, where he made a significant impact at both club and international level.

Oabile Tariq Babitseng, president of the BFA, acknowledged the coach’s contribution while accepting his decision to take up the new role with South Africa.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

Ramoreboli guided Jwaneng Galaxy to two Botswana Premier League titles and took the club to the group stages of the Champions League on two occasions.

His most notable results in that competition included victories over Orlando Pirates and Wydad Casablanca.

At international level, he helped Botswana qualify for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast. It was the country’s first appearance at the tournament since 2012.

For Bafana Bafana, his appointment comes as Mosimane continues to complete his coaching staff. The national team are still without a goalkeeper coach after Grant Johnson’s contract ended in July.

Ramoreboli will now begin work behind the scenes as South Africa prepare for the opening phase of their route to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.