BFA restructuring gathers pace
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday October 9, 2021 06:00
The process could result in job losses, while some employees will be re-deployed. “The restructuring as a process is ongoing and we hope to have the implementation take place in the coming month once all approvals and stakeholder engagement have been completed,” BFA chief executive officer, Goabaone Taylor said. In June, BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti indicated that the association could not implement the recommendations of the exercise as the country was still under the SoE. Under the edict, organisations were not allowed to retrench.
The BFA has said the restructuring is in line with turning the organisation into a viable commercial entity. It is unclear which positions will be phased out. Meanwhile, Goabaone said fans will return to the stadium in a phased manner. “Even though the ban on sport has been lifted and fans can be able to return to the stadia, we need to know and understand that the virus is still there and we need to continue to follow health protocols as set,” she said. “We are currently awaiting updated regulations from the BNSC and we expect that there will be guidelines on how the fans can return.
In the meantime, we are working with BNSC and CAF to allow limited fans at the games that are ongoing this month e.g. the Under-20 girls and senior women.” She said once the clearance is given, the BFA will open up in line with the guidelines set. “We are keen to work with the Ministry of Health (and Wellness) to drive the vaccination programme together and we hope to launch a joint campaign soon,” she added. On the Zebras that have been inactive since July, Taylor said a friendly match is in the pipeline against Sierra Leone next month.
The Zebras have missed the last two international dates, remaining inactive. Their last action was in July when they were sent crashing out of the COSAFA Cup after a draw against Eswatini. “We expect the Zebras back in action soon. We are working to secure their friendly matches and I hope that they can be in Sierra Leone next month to play a friendly game against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone as this will also be a launch of their tournament,” Taylor said. The Zebras are without a substantive coach after the departure of Belgian, Adel Amrouche in June. Letang ‘Rasta’ Kgengwenyane took temporary charge of the team at the COSAFA Cup.