Morena Ramoreboli urges SA coaches to leave comfortzones

By Velile Mnyandu
24th June 2023

Jwaneng Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli’s return to lead Bafana Bafana ‘B’ for next month's COSAFA Cup should be a lesson to South African coaches to leave their comfort zones and prosper elsewhere.

This is how Ramoreboli responded to SABC Sport asking about his reunion with Bafana for the regional showpiece scheduled for Durban from 5 to 16 July.

Having spent the past two-and-a-half years in the Botswana Premier League, Ramoreboli feels his success with Galaxy has come with a lot of sacrifices that are now being rewarded.

"Honestly speaking, I think it's a strong message to every coach in South Africa to understand that going outside the borders and working somewhere, SAFA will still recognise you because we are South Africans," stated Ramoreboli.

"Whenever we go out there [of the country] to work for our families, when we are doing well, the flag raises higher, and as that happens, our names become clearer to more people and it becomes easy for people to recognise us.

"So, I think at this stage, honestly speaking, it's important for me as an individual to say thank you to Dr. Danny Jordaan for recognising and appreciating the effort of someone who decided to leave the country and go and make a living."

Ramoreboli, who is one of 459 CAF A-licensed coaches in South Africa, has now won national titles in Lesotho and Botswana, and says he is always flying the flag abroad.

"And also, it is important for the technical committee to get recognition because, let's be honest, under the leadership of Mr [Jack] Maluleka had to try and find somebody doing well somewhere else and not create an opportunity for an individual but give one to someone that has proven his ability and potential," he added.

"So, I think, honestly speaking, I need to thank everybody, including the technical director and CEO [Lydia Monyepao] for this opportunity.

"Because, [even though] I'm outside, whatever I'm doing, I'm representing South Africa. If I do badly, it comes back to South Africa, and if I do well it also comes back to our country."

Ramoreboli, who led Bafana to the 2021 COSAFA Cup title in Gqeberha in the absence of Helman Mkhalele due to Covid-19, will be assisted by Marumo Gallants coach Raymond Mdaka at next month’s tournament.