Honour has been bestowed upon illustrious coach Morena Ramorebodi by the football fraternity in Bloemfontein. The Safa Local Football Association of Bloemfontein staged a tournament named after him, the Morena Ramorebodi Community Shield, this weekend.
Dubbed a serial winner for his knack to plot the defeat of big clubs in continental competitions, Ramorebodi received recognition for his contribution to the development of the sport.
The maiden tournament featured the top 16 clubs, eight each in the U15 and U17 divisions, respectively.
According to Ramorebodi, the gesture was unthinkable.
“I never anticipated any recognition for my contribution to football,” said Ramorebodi.
“This will last me a lifetime X being recognised by your own people. I’m very humbled to be honoured in such a manner.
“I’m very thankful to every individual who contributed to ensure the tournament is a success.”
In addition, Ramorebodi was presented a symbolic jacket by British Khoarai, respected retired teacher and owner of the Bloemfontein Young Tigers.
Played over two days, 18 and 19 November, the competition was fitting as it was staged at a field in Bloemanda, one of three ground fields where Ramorebodi began his fairytale in coaching in the mid-90s.
Fond memories of humble beginnings by playing and coaching on dusty grounds were relived.
Ramorebodi graduated to coach in the big leagues in Lesotho and is currently coaching Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy FC.
“I have fond memories of this field where my journey started. This is an inspiration for me. Hopefully my journey will inspire others that nothing is impossible in life; it demands perseverance.”
On home front, his highlights include leading Bafana Bafana to win the Cosafa Cup in 2021, mentoring players and promoting clubs such as the African Warriors and the Maluti TVET College to South Africa’s professional league.
In his prime, he promoted clubs and unearthed talented players who went on to represent South Africa internationally.
Ramorebodi’s coaching began with now defunct amateur club, Juventus, with which he won some competitions. His coaching stint include taking charge of the Young Tigers junior team in the now ABC Motsepe League, and he served as assistant coach to David Vilakazi in the Tigers’ senior team.
Over the weekend, of the 16 clubs featured, Mata FC and Lazio were crowned maiden champions of the U15 and U17 categories, respectively. Mata beat The Echo 5 – 4 on penalties, while Lazio beat Revival 4 – 2, also via penalties.
Thabo Lebakeng (left) of Mata FC clears the ball under pressure from Tumelo Mokheoma of The Echo. Lethabo Makati (keeper)
of The Echo watches on.
Individual awards were presented to players who performed exceptionally.
Retired footballer Ishmael “Litre” Mokitlane, who played for now defunct Bloemfontein Celtic, presents Kagisho Sereeco, the player of the tournament accolade.
U15: Lethabo Makati (goalkeeper of the tournament, Mata); Kagisho Sereeco (player of the tournament and player’s player of the tournament, The Echo; Omphile Mphosi (top goal scorer, Mata).
U17: Kabelo Sepali ( goalkeeper of the tournament and most promising player, Lazio); Tshepang Perekisi ( player of the tournament, Lazio); Tsie Kamohelo (top goal scorer, Revival); and Thando Ramakatsa (player’s player of the tournament, Revival).
Morena with former Bafana Bafana
and Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki greet players of Revival and Lazio.
