BFA turns to govt for Mares’ P6m
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday April 16, 2022 06:00
The request has been channelled to the government through the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC). BFA chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo announced this week that the mother body needs at least P7.2 million to ensure adequate preparations for the women’s team. The Mares will make their debut at the biennial tournament to be held in Morocco in July. However, despite drawing up a comprehensive plan, the BFA has this far, reportedly not received a positive response from the government for funding.
The government funds a large portion of BFA activities, but due to budgetary constraints, cash has not been readily available, which could scupper the team’s preparations. Mfolo said they had submitted the funding request to the government. “The whole budget for funding has been requested from government through our mother body BNSC.
It is around P6 million. The government has always assisted us and we are hopeful of the same,” Mfolo told Mmegi Sport. Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development permanent secretary, Kago Ramokate said they had received BFA’s request through the BNSC and it was under consideration despite budgetary constraints. “We have been approached by the BFA/BNSC regarding possible assistance for the Mares and Zebras preparations.
We are considering the request despite the challenging financial situation of government,” Ramokate told Mmegi Sport. BNSC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho said they are engaging with the BFA over the matter. In the meantime, he said, the BNSC has availed P500,000 for Mares’ preparations. “I can confirm that we’ve been engaging with the BFA around the issue of funding for national teams.
As you should be aware, we are currently at the stage of reviewing our budget allocations, in light of what government has voted to allocate sport for the 2022-2023 financial year. While we are still doing that exercise, we have availed half a million to the Mares to continue their preparations,” Serufho said. Sources said the BFA was growing frustrated at the slow pace as releasing funds late could derail the team’s preparations.
The government has been further criticised as it is its role to fund preparations, but it has thus far reportedly dragged its feet resulting in frustrations at Lekidi Centre, BFA’s headquarters.
There are fears the BFA might not get the full amount from government due to financial challenges. This could further limit the team’s programme, which includes training at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria and further plans abroad.
The funds are not limited to the Mares as their male counterparts, the Zebras also prepare to take to the field in July, when the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers kick off. Serufho said they have agreed with the BFA to start preparing for a team that would compete at the 2027 AFCON if Botswana’s bid is successful. “For the Zebras, we have agreed with the BFA that they already need to start building a team for the 2027 AFCON that we hope to be hosting with Namibia, Serufho said. Botswana and Namibia are preparing a joint bid to host the 2027 AFCON finals.