Morena Ramoreboli (left) with the Botswana delegation at the 2025 AFCON draw. Photo Courtesy: Botswana Football Association
Botswana head coach Morena Ramoreboli has revealed their readiness to come up against any team in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON in Morocco.
The Zebras have been put in Pot 4 of the eagerly awaited draw alongside Mozambique, Comoros, Tanzania, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.
Pot 1 will have Morocco (A1), Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire, Pot 2 comprises of Cameroon, Mali, Tunisia, South Africa, DR Congo and Burkina Faso while Pot 3 will contain Gabon, Angola, Zambia, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea and Benin.
“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,” Ramoreboli said ahead of the draw as quoted by CAFOnline.com.
“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.”
On a possible draw against South Africa, he said: “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.”
He continued: 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.”
The 24 qualified teams will be drawn into six groups each containing four sides, with host nation Morocco placed at the head of Group A. The top two teams in each pool as well as the four best third-placed teams will qualify for the round of 16 at the AFCON 2025.
Comments