Ramoreboli stays but for how long?
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday July 1, 2023 06:00
Ramoreboli's stature as a football coach is increasing by the minute as he continues to win plaudits across Africa. The cheers are even louder in his native, South Africa.
The Bloemfontein-born coach crossed the border up north as a coaching prospect and down the pecking order amongst the high-profile names. Galaxy took a gamble on the youthful tactician who had shown signs of brilliance in the early stages of his career.
Ramoreboli had worked wonders with South Africa's third-tier side Maluti FET College as he led the team to the quarter-finals of the South African Football Association Cup competition. Along the way, the team knocked out heavyweights, Orlando Pirates in 2013. He is also credited with the promotion of two sides into the PSL.
Ramoreboli entered the elite scene in 2021 when he was given the ropes to lead South Africa in the COSAFA Cup. His ‘B’ side won the tournament and the coach was then tipped for a much bigger role.
Galaxy was quick to act and appointed him on a short contract. The 43-year-old coach was tasked with leading the team in its debut CAF Champions League adventure. The Galaxy Stars managed to reach the competition’s group stages on the first attempt while becoming the only team from Botswana to achieve the feat. The club tied Ramoreboli to a two-year contract.
In the past two years, the team has played some entertaining football and has become a feared side in the local scenes. Galaxy, however, failed to win silverware in the first of Ramoreboli's two years. The team finished third in the league while it was dumped out of the FA Cup in the quarterfinals. The Jwaneng-based outfit looked a much better side.
The team managed to amass 72 points to win their second league championship this season. His exploits did not go unnoticed as he was linked with a move to South African giants, Amazulu who were credited with interest in his services following the departure of French coach, Romain Folz. Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs were also said to be eyeing Ramoreboli as they pondered coach, Arthur Zwane’s fate.
However, this week Galaxy managed to tie their man for one more season. He will venture into Africa with his Galaxy Stars and onlookers would be following the team’s progress with keen interest. Ramoreboli is currently with Bafana Bafana as he eyes to boost his CV with a second COSAFA Cup triumph. Interest in the soft spoken coach may have cooled for now but Galaxy should expect a tug-of-war for his services as Ramoreboli’s stock continues to rise.