The response was overwhelming as many former soccer stars heeded the BFA’s call and turned out in their numbers to make up the committee.
Since then, little has been heard about the committee and people are questioning whether the initiative was just a meeting as nothing concrete has been put in place.
Among the once popular players that turned out for the meeting included former Gaborone United lanky striker Patrick Zibochwa, Rollers diminutive defender Moshoeshoe Molelekwa, Mothusi Seditse of Tasc and former BDF XI and Zebras goalkeeper Jacob ‘Jakes’ Mothobi.
Many of those who turned up also seem to be in the dark about the whole set-up to date. Mothobi said that since the meeting nobody has ever approached or briefed him on the issue.
“I am still in the dark about the ex-players’ committee, nobody has come to me since that meeting in November to brief me about any developments.
“I do not know whether BFA is still in the process of selecting it or not. And one should get worried looking at the fact that the decision to elect a committee was taken five months ago. Generally everybody wants to help and the initiative taken by BFA is a welcome one but it must be implemented,” he said.
Seditse who is currently one of the technical assistants at Tasc football club in Francistown echoed Mothobi’s sentiments. He said he has also not heard anything from the BFA. He says he once approached some BFA officials on the issue but the impression he got showed him that nothing much has been done.
“Even here in the Northern region nothing is being done,” he said.
BFA on the other hand stressed that the initiative is still in the pipeline and it is their dream to see it running soon.
BFA chief executive Thabo Ntshinogang said it is not easy to elect a committee in such a short time because there are many retired players. He added that they have now consulted with the regional committees to help them.
“We have asked regional bodies to select those players outside Gaborone for us, and as the executive committee we will then look at the names and select the final committee,” Ntshinogang said.
He expressed hope that in a month or two the committee would be finalised and in full swing.
The retired players are seen as invaluable as they will plough back what they learned during their hay days to the community. They would also be helpful in various football structures like youth development.
