Sports

Trouble in BFA's paradise

Mqondisi Dube | Thursday April 17, 2025 09:50

Before the storm: Bontshetse and Babitseng during happier times. PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE Before the storm: Bontshetse and Babitseng during happier times. PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Before the storm: Bontshetse and Babitseng during happier times. PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

The two marched in unison to secure victory during the BFA elections last September. But reports indicate all is not well within the BFA national executive committee, seven months after the new leadership was ushered in. Babitseng emerged victorious over then-incumbent, Maclean Letshwiti, and Masego Ntshingane. Bontshetse was seen as close to Letshwiti who appeared to trust him over Ntshingane, who was also vice president under the previous regime. The friction between Babitseng and Bontshetse is reportedly over leadership issues. 'There are trust issues where Bontshetse believes he could handle certain issues better than how Babitseng is handling them,' a source said. It is said that Bontshetse is increasingly isolated within the committee. Despite the reports, Bontshetse dismissed the claims and said he enjoys cordial relations with Babitseng.

He said they 'engage' which does not mean they have differences. 'Our relationship is just fine. We have been friends for a long time and we do not have any differences that you mention,' Bontshetse said. '(The) president is my boss. As leaders, we engage each other but that does not mean we differ. It is leadership,' he added. Babitseng promised to respond to MmegiSport inquiries but had not done so at press time. Cracks within the BFA leadership came to the fore during the recent international break when the Zebras played two FIFA World Cup qualifiers. On the eve of the team's clash against Algeria, captain, Thatayaone Ditlokwe found himself on the sidelines after a reported fallout with the BFA vice president, Tico Kamati.

The BFA CEO, Mfolo Mfolo, issued an apology to Ditlokwe and other international players for the treatment they received. Kamati was quick to dismiss Mfolo's statement, arguing it represented his personal views. There were reports that Mfolo faced suspension, but nothing came to pass after the Francistown incident. The BFA has not publicly commented on the matter, amidst calls for the president to act to root out indiscipline.