South African coach Ramoreboli driving Botswana’s success – sets bold targets
Four days ago, the Botswana Football Association (BFA) officially appointed South African trainer Morena Ramoreboli as the permanent head coach of the Zebras on a two-year contract.
Ramoreboli recently led Botswana to their first TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualification since 2012 during his interim role.
The young trainer, who led local Botswana side Jwaneng Galaxy to excel in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League last season, was handed the interim role of the national team before leading the country to qualify for Africa's flagship football competition.
The South African coach now has the challenging task of guiding the team to success at TotalEnergies CAF AFCON 2025 in Morocco.
With the Final Draw for the tournament set to take place on Monday in Rabat, Coach Ramoreboli shared his insights on his new role, Botswana’s potential, and his vision for the Zebras in an exclusive Q&A interview with CAFOnline.com
CafOnline.com: Congratulations on your appointment, Coach Morena Ramoreboli! How does it feel to be named the permanent head coach of Botswana just ahead of AFCON 2025?
Morena Ramoreboli: Thank you very much. It’s such a great honour to be selected as the national team coach of Botswana. Honestly speaking, it means there’s much that the country is expecting from me. As I always say, to whom much is given, much is expected. The pressure will always be there, but I’ll do my best to ensure we achieve great things.
CafOnline.com: You guided Botswana to their first AFCON qualification since 2012 during your interim role. What was the key to achieving this historic milestone?
Morena Ramoreboli: It wasn’t easy for us to qualify. It could have gone to Mauritania or Cape Verde, but the dedication and commitment of our players made the difference. Playing in Egypt, where the team we faced hadn’t lost in over 12 matches, was extremely tough. The players sacrificed so much, and we managed to come away with a crucial point. I give credit to the players for their resilience and willingness to fight for the nation.
CafOnline.com: The draw is on Monday. What are your expectations for the draw? Are there teams you want to face or avoid?
Morena Ramoreboli: To be honest, whoever we face, we must be ready to compete. This is a tournament featuring the top 24 teams on the continent, and Botswana is one of them. That in itself shows we deserve to be here. We are ready for anyone, and while it might sound bold, I believe we should focus on ourselves and not worry too much about the opposition.
CafOnline.com: Facing South Africa at AFCON must surely be on the cards for you!
Morena Ramoreboli: Be honest with you, I would like us to face them at knock-out stage of the tournament. If it happens in the group stage, that’s fine too. They are our neighbors, and it will be a good challenge. With proper analysis and preparation, we’ll be ready for them.
CafOnline.com: As a South African coaching Botswana, what unique challenges and opportunities do you see in managing a team from a different country?
Morena Ramoreboli: To be honest, the key is understanding the players and their culture. I try to win their trust by understanding their challenges and showing them respect. Botswana players are hardworking, committed, and passionate about football. Social media plays a big role these days, and while it can motivate players, negative comments can harm their confidence. My focus is to build a supportive environment where they can thrive.
CafOnline.com: The Botswana Football Association has outlined ambitious targets for your tenure, including advancing beyond the group stages at AFCON. How do you plan to achieve this?
Morena Ramoreboli: It’s not just about me as a coach; it’s about everyone—the players, the association, and the entire country. We need to work hard and believe in ourselves. The players have shown they are willing to fight for success, and with the right support, I believe we can achieve these goals. Anything is possible with determination and unity.
CafOnline.com: Botswana is in a tough group for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. What is your strategy to collect the required 12 points and keep the dream alive?
Morena Ramoreboli: Facing Algeria in March will be crucial, and it’s an opportunity to test ourselves technically, tactically, and emotionally. We’ll prepare thoroughly with proper analysis and aim to get positive results. These qualifiers are also a chance to build momentum for AFCON, and we’ll give our best to keep the World Cup dream alive.
CafOnline.com: Your time at Jwaneng Galaxy was highly successful. How have those experiences prepared you for this role?
Morena Ramoreboli: The experience I gained in the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League was vital for my personal growth and the growth of the players. About 40-50% of the national team comes from Jwaneng Galaxy, so that success contributed significantly to where we are today. Competing against top teams in Africa taught us how to handle pressure and perform at a high level.
CafOnline.com: What changes or improvements do you intend to implement within the team to boost performance and achieve the set targets, such as improving Botswana’s FIFA ranking?
Morena Ramoreboli: It’s important to develop more players and bring in programs that will create a lasting football culture in Botswana. We also need to remain consistent in our performances and focus on building a strong team capable of competing with the best on the continent.
CafOnline.com: The Zebras face Algeria in March in a crucial World Cup qualifier. How do you plan to prepare the team for this important match?
Morena Ramoreboli: Matches like these are not just about winning but also about preparation for AFCON. We’ll analyze Algeria thoroughly and focus on tactical, technical, and emotional readiness. Our goal is to get positive results at home and carry that momentum into the next match.
CafOnline.com: What role do you believe Botswana’s local league plays in the development of the national team, and how do you intend to utilize local talent?
Morena Ramoreboli: The local league is very competitive, and 90% of our national team players come from there. This makes it easier to integrate them into the national team system. While only a few players are based outside the country, I believe the local league is producing talented and committed players who can compete at the highest level.
CafOnline.com: You have been tasked with winning the 2025 COSAFA Senior Men’s Challenge. How important is this regional tournament for Botswana, and how will you approach it?
Morena Ramoreboli: Regional tournaments like COSAFA are vital because they contribute to FIFA rankings and help us gauge our readiness to compete on the continental stage. It’s an opportunity to dominate the region and build momentum for larger competitions like AFCON and the World Cup qualifiers.
CafOnline.com: What are your expectations for Botswana’s performance at AFCON 2025, and what would you consider a successful tournament?
Morena Ramoreboli: We need to leave a mark at AFCON 2025. The goal is to perform well, dominate games, and achieve positive results. Success would mean being remembered as one of the teams that competed fiercely and represented Botswana with pride.
CafOnline.com: Botswana fans are excited about the team’s return to AFCON. What message do you have for them as you prepare to lead the Zebras on this journey?
Morena Ramoreboli: My message to Botswana is to rally behind the team. The players need your support and confidence, especially since many of them are local-based and competing against players they used to watch on TV. The fans’ positivity during the qualifiers pushed us forward, and we need that same energy as we head to AFCON.
CafOnline.com: Looking beyond AFCON, how do you envision Botswana’s football development during your two-year tenure, and what legacy do you hope to leave?
Morena Ramoreboli: My focus is to develop a strong football culture in Botswana that will last beyond my tenure. We need to create programs that nurture talent and build a team that can compete consistently at the highest level. I hope to leave a legacy of progress and pride for Botswana football.
