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BFA Update on Football Status During the COVID19 Pandemic

May 8, 2020

Botswana Football Association had originally directed all football activities to be suspended. In a bid to continue being observant to advice from the government and Ministry of Health and Wellness the status has not changed.

League Status
When the State of Emergency was declared the elite league (BTC Premiership) was on week 20. Both First division North and South were left with four rounds to complete the season. Various leagues in the regions were also on the final stages of completion.
There are options depending on the guidance by health professionals on when sport can resume.

1) The BFA-NEC wishes to state that the intention is to play all the leagues and games to finality. This will be done when it is conducive to gather and play football as per the government guidelines.

2) Should it be not viable to complete the leagues the season will be cancelled and declared null and void. This will also be guided by the health authorities’ advice. It will mean no winners and or relegation as per strict adherence to the BFA and FIFA rules.

3) The leagues maybe stopped where they are, and log leaders be declared as per current standings. The same will apply to the relegation and this will all be done as a last resort having exhausted all the options.

4) Whilst all these options are being considered it must be noted that the BFA is not in a hurry to risk lives and or resume activity against the government advice. There is an option to use the COVID-19 challenge to change the football season from the current one to the February to November calendar. This will be in line with the current CAF season.

This will also assist in implementing a long-standing resolution to change the season to a more suitable and medically recommended one. Medical experts have long advised that it is more convenient to play football during winter as compared to high extreme temperatures experienced during the months of November to January.

FA CUP
The (Orange) FA Cup was at the quarter-final stage when everything was suspended. Like in the League the main priority is to play to finality. All this will be determined by the advice of the health authorities. In the eventually all this is not achieved, the local organising committee will decide on the way forward.

WORKSHOPS AND TRAINING
All scheduled training in different fields will also remain suspended until further notice. A new guideline will be shared with all the stakeholders like in the above scenarios.

We urge the football family to adhere to all the advice from the health authorities and wait to come and cheer their beloved teams once again when sanity prevails.

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BFA Welcomes New Zebras Head Coach, Morena Ramoreboli

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is proud to announce the appointment of Mr. Morena Ramoreboli as the new Head Coach of the Zebras. This marks an exciting new chapter for Botswana football, as the men’s and women’s national teams recently achieved historic qualifications for the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025 – only the second time both teams have qualified in the same year.

Mr. Ramoreboli brings over a decade of top-level coaching experience and holds a CAF A license. His accomplishments include winning two Botswana Premier League titles and securing two CAF Champions League qualifications with Jwaneng Galaxy, achieving significant victories against teams like Orlando Pirates and Wydad Athletic Club. His familiarity with many of Botswana’s players from his time at the club level ensures a seamless transition into his new role.

The BFA has set clear targets for Mr. Ramoreboli, including progressing beyond the group stages at AFCON 2025, collecting at least 12 points in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, qualifying for CHAN 2026, and winning the 2025 COSAFA Senior Men’s Challenge. Additionally, improving Botswana’s FIFA ranking to the top 30 in Africa is a key objective.

To achieve these goals, the BFA is committed to providing the necessary resources and support for the Zebras. The Association also calls on all Batswana to rally behind Mr. Ramoreboli and the national teams. Fans are encouraged to attend matches and create an electrifying atmosphere during the World Cup qualifiers. Plans are underway to make travel packages available for supporters to cheer on the teams in Morocco for the Women’s AFCON and in December for the men’s AFCON.

The BFA also appeals to the media to play an active role in building excitement and uniting the nation behind the Zebras and Mares. A collaborative committee will be formed to drive fan engagement and ensure widespread support.

“We are confident that with Mr. Ramoreboli’s vision, experience, and leadership, the Zebras will achieve great success. With unity and the unwavering support of the nation, there is no limit to what we can accomplish,” said the BFA President.