Are we ready? BFA head challenges Botswana's football structures
Larona Makhaiza | Tuesday February 24, 2026 12:58
Speaking at a ceremony to honour the senior national team, Zebras, following the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals, he said the occasion was not only about celebration but called for reflection and accountability. “Today is more than a presentation of words. It is a celebration of commitment and sacrifice,” Babitseng told the gathering.
“But at the same time, we must ask ourselves difficult questions. Are we ready? Are we doing enough?” he asked.
Back at AFCON, the football adminstrator described the Zebras group as one of the tournament’s toughest groups. He applauded the players for showing up to represent the country.
While lauding Zebras for carrying hopes of the nation with pride, he stressed that pride alone is not enough to guarantee sustained success.
“Are we training our coaches enough for them to choose the right people for national teams?” asked Babitseng.
He further raised questions that not only are the coaches supported enough but questioned if administration is doing its work too.
“Are we doing enough on the secretariat side to make sure compliance is upheld? Is this enough? Drawing inspirations from other nations that Botswana should emulate in terms preparations for such tournaments, he gave examples of countries such as Morocco and Tunisia. He highlighted the depth and planning as part of the two countries’ success as he revealed that Morocco alone has so many players plying their trade in Europe.
“Why can’t we have such? We might not be millions in population but that should not limit our ambition,” he said.
Babitseng also referenced Senegal, the tournament’s champion as an epitome of a nation investing strategically in youth development and infrastructure for long-term competitiveness.
“Senegal will still be participating and competing strongly for years because of development.
“We have visited and seen what they are doing. That is leadership. That is planning,” Babitseng said.
However, Babitseng admitted that funding without clear blueprint could be counterproductive.
“In 2010 and 2012, we had plans but no money. Now, all of a sudden we have money but no plan. How ironic is that,” he said calling on stakeholders, experts and administrators to step forward with structured solutions.
He concluded by reiterating that Botswana’s ambition must extend beyond participation to continental respect and sustained competitiveness.
“Pride must be backed by preparation,” Babitseng said. Meanwhile, Babitseng announced that BFA will commit P5 million to support development of the senior national men's team. As matters stand, Zebras finished bottom of the group with three losses, zero goals scored.