There’s no purge at BFA, it’s about performance – Babitseng
Mqondisi Dube | Monday February 23, 2026 06:00
Babitseng came to power in 2024 and has largely kept lieutenants who served under former president, Maclean Letshwiti. However, insiders say the revolving door is about to record an upsurge in the outgoings as some prominent figures are tipped to leave the association.
BFA chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo, is already on his way out after opting against renewing his contract. Some senior figures are expected to follow, but Babitseng could not confirm such a development.
In an interview, he said he inherited staff from the previous administration and has largely worked with the same workforce with minimal alterations.
'I inherited everybody. There is no one who is new at the BFA. I tried to show them where we are going. If we are pushed to take anyone out, then we will do that. Up to this time, no one has been pushed; the CEO's contract has run to an end, and he is the one who said he is not renewing,' Babitseng said.
'There is no one who has been pushed, but it does not mean that I cannot cut if you are not performing. It is not about (political) alignment but performance. If they do not execute their mandate, they should not say it is based on the previous regime. If you do not work to my expectations, it clearly shows that we are not aligned; it should not be looked at from a political point,' he added.
This week, the Lekidi Centre was rocked after the Mares coach, Alex Malete, was axed from the team on the eve of the COSAFA tournament, amidst reports of discontent among some players. Babitseng has described the incidents as unfortunate and said that Malete was asked to revert to his role as BFA youth development officer. However, Malete's future could be in the air after what appeared to be a fallout from his Mares removal.
Sources indicate that Babitseng will move to axe some senior figures as he reconfigures the secretariat.