Maintain your cool, speak out Letshwiti!

Mmegi Editor | Monday January 17, 2022 06:00

As it is normally the case, the media has been asking probing questions in search of answers from the association. But, BFA president, Letshwiti reportedly lost his cool when quizzed about burning issues at the controversy-ridden soccer body by Mmegi Sport this week.

He is quoted elsewhere in this newspaper having told a reporter off that he does not deal with clerical issues. He also presented himself as a high-level businessperson. It’s also worrying that Letshwiti allegedly further told the reporter to go where he can get those answers.

Worse, Letshwiti would later allegedly tell a reporter to go to hell-a sign that the veteran administrator and businessman had lost his cool. We take the view that Letshwiti’s response is disappointing and appalling to say the least. The media does not interrogate him as an individual but as the BFA president, simply holding him to account as he holds a public office. He must know that there is need for him to come out clean on BFA finances as the football body has been struggling financially. After all, the association is partly funded by government and he will continue to be called to account.

All entities funded by government should observe high standards of transparency and be subject to the same high quality accounting, disclosure, compliance and auditing just like listed companies. Letshwiti should not take things personal and think that the media is his enemy. As the head of the association, he should know that he is accountable to whatever that happens in the organisation.

He should also allow the media to do its watchdog role without any form of intimidation and harrassment. After all, he shouldunderstand that his responses could be taken to mean that he is hiding something at the BFA. Letshwiti is not being accused of anything, and as a leader, he should remain calm and respond reasonably.

As he put it in his response that he is a high-level businessperson, he should therefore, act the talk. We expect better from a leader. The BFA has for a long time had problems while it continues to dent the public purse. It is high time leaders at Lekidi become answerable. If he can’t handle the heat, he must as well bolt out.

Today's thought

“Leaders inspire accountability through their ability to accept responsibility before they place blame.”

– Courtney Lynch