Botswana national team head coach Morena Ramoreboli says he fancies meeting South Africa in the knockout stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be staged from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026.
The South African gaffer was officially appointed as the Zebras’ head coach permanently four days ago by the Botswana Football Association (BFA) on a 2-year contract. He guided Botswana to their second-ever Africa Cup tournament following a hard-fought draw against Egypt on the last day of the qualifiers last year.
Ramoreboli said it would be better to face his native nation in the knockout stages. He is expecting to face any opponent in the group stage of the competition.
“To be honest with you, I would like us to face them [South Africa] at the knockout stage of the tournament,” he told CAFonline. 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.”
Botswana among the best in Africa- Ramoreboli
Ramoreboli stated that for his team to be among the 24 teams that have qualified for the tournament, they should consider themselves among the best on the continent, and there is a need to be ready for every team.
“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,” Ramoreboli said.
The BFA has set going beyond the group stages as one of the targets for Ramoreboli.
Ramoreboli has acknowledged that it will take the efforts of every team member and the association to achieve the set targets that also include collecting 12 points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign and winning the 2025 COSAFA Cup.
“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,” he asserted.
