Botswana FA president reveals new Zebras coach Morena Ramoreboli’s mandate
Botswana Football Association president Oabile Tariq Babitseng has revealed the ambitious and challenging mandate given to the national team’s new head coach, Morena Ramoreboli.
Ramoreboli was announced as the new head coach of the Botswana Football National Team on Thursday in a press conference.
The SA-born coach put pen to paper on a two-year deal after serving as interim coach of Botswana during the last two games of the 2024 AFCON qualifiers. His successful stint as the caretaker mentor saw him guide the national team to qualification for Africa’s flagship football event.
The 2025 AFCON will be staged in Morocco, and the much-anticipated final draw for Africa’s showpiece is four days away on 27 January in Rabat, where 24 nations, including Botswana, will learn their opponents.
Ramoreboli is the second coach to lead Botswana to AFCON as they return to the competition after a 12-year hiatus.
The 42-year-old also steps into his new role as Botswana coach due to his impressive track record. He won the Botswana Premier League twice with Jwaneng Galaxy and led Bafana Bafana to the COSAFA Cup title in 2021. In addition, he qualified for the CAF Champions League on two occasions, knocking Orlando Pirates out in the preliminary stages in 2023. He also beat former Champions League winners Wydad AC.
WHAT DOES SUCCESS LOOK LIKE FOR RAMOREBOLI AND THE ZEBRAS?
Botswana FA president Tariq Babitseng stated that the association and Ramoreboli agreed on “clear targets” to measure the national team’s progress.
“Today [Thursday], we proudly introduce the new Head Coach of the Zebras, Mr Morena Ramoreboli. His appointment comes at a time when our national team is making us proud and showing great promise,” said Tariq Babitseng.
“One of Mr Ramoreboli’s greatest strengths is his connection to our players. He has worked closely with many of them at club level, and this familiarity will ensure a smooth transition. This makes him the right man to lead The Zebras forward.
“While today is about welcoming Mr Ramoreboli, I must share that we have agreed on clear targets to measure our progress.
These include progressing beyond the group stages at the 2025 AFCON. Collecting at least 12 points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Qualify for CHAN 2026. Winning the 2025 COSAFA Senior Men’s Challenge. Improving our FIFA ranking to the top 30 in Africa. These goals reflect our belief in his ability to take the Zebras to the next level.
“Mr Ramoreboli will be afforded all the necessary support to help him succeed. Whether it is resources, teamwork, or the backing of our football community. We are committed to ensuring he has what he needs to lead our team to success,” added the BFA president Oabile Tariq Babitseng.
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