Is the BFL truly autonomous?

Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday July 30, 2025 06:00

This on the basis that the Premier League organ cannot entirely divorce itself from the mother body. However, there were certain decisions that the organ could initiate without the full involvement of the BFA, that's how I at least, understood the contextual definition of 'autonomy.'

It was not a carte blanche, but the BFL's autonomy had limits or set boundaries. Amongst others, the league was given the independence to negotiate sponsorships. Before, the BFA was the custodian of this role and signed contracts on behalf of the Premier League.

With the so-called autonomy, there was a shift to a situation where the Premier League could negotiate with partners, without the involvement of the BFA.

The Letshwiti regime handed the Premier League autonomy in 2020, leading to the formation of the BFL. This was acknowledged as a positive step, particularly for the Premier League which can no longer be regarded as a child under the full care of the BFA. However, the BFL faced a number of teething problems, resulting in the BFA revoking the autonomy in June 2024. At the centre of concerns were drawn-out leadership fights which forced the governing body to reverse its decision on autonomy.

But after the leadership change following the September 14 BFA elections, new president, Tariq Babitseng announced that the BFL had been handed back its autonomy.

Autonomy is defined as the right or condition of self-government. But can the BFL be said to autonomous, or it is operating with limited freedom? The latter appears to be true for someone on the outside.

The BFA still wields considerable power if almost all BFL decisions still have to be referred to the mother body.

Recently, in Palapye, the BFL referred to the BFA, a motion on the number of foreign players. This motion will now be debated and passed or rejected by BFA delegates where the BFL representation to the association's general assembly was drastically reduced.

Now it leaves BFL at the mercy of BFA, yet there is supposed autonomy. It will appear the best description should have been semi-autonomy, as it is clear the BFL does not enjoy a considerable degree of self-rule.

Big Brother is always watching, and this has the potential to constrain the BFL. However, in defence the BFA can argue that as the custodian of football matters in the country, it has every right to remain eagle eyed, particularly given the regularity of shenanigans within the BFL.

The BFA must define, or re-define this vague word called 'autonomy.' What's the degree of the independence?