Mares’ P7.2m begging bowl still empty
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday April 30, 2022 06:00
BFA chief executive officer (CEO), Mfolo Mfolo said there has been nothing forthcoming since the request was made. “Nothing has been raised to date and there is no response from the business community so far,” Mfolo said yesterday. He said they expect the government and the corporate sector to come to their rescue, ruling out engaging the general public. “We cannot take it to the general public. We expect both government and the business community, private sector to assist,” he said. Mfolo was non-committal when asked about the repercussions of failing to raise the required amount. “We will make a decision when the time is ripe.
This is a national project and we as a country must be proud of the maiden appearance of the women senior national team and more so it is a women team,” he said. “The gender disparity that we always talk about must not seem to prevail and support the team at all costs,” Mfolo added. The government has not responded swiftly to BFA’s request.
The Ministry of Sport, Gender, Youth and Culture permanent secretary, Kago Ramokate recently told Mmegi Sport that they were considering the soccer mother body’s request. He, however, said the government is facing financial challenges, which should concern the BFA.
This week, the BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti pitched to a meeting with the business community, which was attended by CAF president, Patrice Motsepe. “Our beautiful team, the women senior national team called The Mares has qualified for the African Women's Africa Cup of Nations in July 2022. This is a historic achievement, which we strive to recognise and execute well in preparations and in the competition itself. To achieve this, we need about P7.2 million to compete with the best.
I wish the business community could see the incentive to play a part in this form of women empowerment,” Letshwiti said. The Mares go into the AWCON finals draw to be conducted in Morocco tomorrow. Botswana is in Pot 4 for the 12-team draw, with the tournament also serving as a World Cup qualifier.