The appointment of Morena Ramoreboli as Bafana Bafana assistant coach appears to have ended Helman Mkhalele’s hopes of remaining part of the national team’s technical set-up.
Mkhalele served as an assistant to former Bafana head coach Hugo Broos for more than five years, but his contract came to an end shortly after South Africa’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Bafana captain had hoped to continue in the technical team, but the arrival of Ramoreboli under new head coach Pitso Mosimane has effectively closed that door.
Ramoreboli’s appointment was confirmed on Tuesday, September 8, in a joint statement issued by the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA).
The new Bafana technical team also includes fitness coach Kabelo Rangoaga and performance analyst Musi Matlaba.
Ramoreboli leaves Botswana after making a significant contribution to the country’s football, including helping The Zebras qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations after a 12-year absence.
BFA president Oabile Tariq Babitseng said the association would have preferred to retain the coach but respected his decision to take the next step in his career.
“Morena Ramoreboli has made a meaningful and lasting contribution to Botswana football, both at Jwaneng Galaxy and with The Zebras,” said Babitseng.
“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.”
Babitseng added that Ramoreboli’s move to Bafana Bafana would not affect the strong relationship between the two football associations.
“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,” he said.
SAFA believes Ramoreboli will bring international experience, tactical flexibility and extensive knowledge of Southern African football to Mosimane’s technical team.
The association highlighted his experience in the CAF Champions League and AFCON environments, as well as his ability to adapt his tactical approach according to different opponents.
Ramoreboli has also demonstrated an ability to combine possession-based football with tactical organisation and effective transitions.
His experience in national-team football is expected to be particularly valuable as Bafana begin preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
SAFA president Dr Danny Jordaan welcomed Ramoreboli back into the Bafana environment.
“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 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.”
Jordaan said Ramoreboli’s experience in Botswana had added another dimension to his coaching career and would complement Mosimane’s work.
“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,” he said.
For Mkhalele, however, Ramoreboli’s appointment marks the end of his lengthy association with the Bafana technical team, which began during Broos’ tenure and continued through the national side’s successful qualification for the 2026 World Cup.