A night of surprises at BFA awards
Larona Makhaiza | Monday October 9, 2023 16:00
The first awards sprung a number of surprises as winners were determined by public votes. Among the surprise winners was young coach, Seemo Mpatane of Eleven Angels who was voted the coach of the year ahead of favourite, Morena Ramoreboli of domestic champions, Jwaneng Galaxy. Other contenders were Gaborone United's Pontsho ‘Piro’ Moloi who won the Orange FA Cup last season and Mandla Mpofu who had a good season with Masitaoka before crossing to join Sua Flamingoes. In his maiden season in the Botswana Premier League, Mpatane did remarkably well as he took rookies 'Lekgamu la banyana' to a top eight finish.
The Francistown side finished on position six with 44 points. Mpatane moulded Eleven Angels into a tough team to play against as the side recorded some upsets. A surprised Mpatane credited the team for a job well done. “It's been a journey for us as a team and I think we have got this award for what we have achieved as a team from the top opponents we have played against,” a delighted Mpatane said. He also paid homage to his competitors. “I would like to give my respects to coach Piro. He was passionate about the game as a player; he was a very good player. And as a coach he still is. To coach Mpofu, you came to Botswana for the first time and you did wonders with Masitaoka. Coach Ramoreboli, well done for what you are doing at Galaxy,” Mpatane said.
TAFIC was another surprise winner on the night as they won the Best Men’s Football Team of the Year. The Francistown-based club was promoted back to the top flight after winning the Debswana First Division North League title. For the award, TAFIC was competing against Matebele FC who were the First Division South winners, Premier League champions, Jwaneng Galaxy and Orange FA Cup winners, Gaborone United. Another award that left people covering their mouths with their hands was Double Action missing out on the Best Women’s Team of the Year. Double action lost out to Granada FC which scooped most votes.
The full list of BFA award winners; Good governance: South East Regional Football Association Best region league management: Nhabe Regional Football Association Best region in youth football: Central South Regional Football Association Best region in women football: Gaborone City Regional Football Association Best team in women’s football: Granada FC Best team in men’s football: TAFIC FC Women’s referee of the year: Seonyatseng Tshephe Men’s referee of the year: Keabetswe Dintwa Women assistant referee of the year: Dorcus Chenset Men’s assistant referee of the year: Lucky Kegakolotswe Coach of the year: Seemo Mpatane BFA outstanding member of staff: Pelokgale Kebaitseng Women footballer of the year: Lesego Radiakanyo Men’s footballer of the year: Benson Mangolo BFA president award: Matshidiso Kowa