BFA defers CAF A coaching licence requirement
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Tuesday June 30, 2026 10:02
The requirement was set to apply for coaches willing to coach in the Premier League this coming season.
However, the Botswana Football Association’s (BFA) announced this past weekend that the requirement will now only apply for the 2027-2028 season.
BFA president, Tariq Babitseng reportedly told delegates at the stakeholder engagement programme over the weekend that the national executive committee (NEC), had resolved to defer the implementation of the requirement.
“As a result, coaches will not be required to hold a CAF A Licence to coach locally during the 2026-27 season, allowing them additional time to attain the qualification,” a statement from the BFA says.
“However, from the 2027-28 season onwards, a CAF A Licence will become a mandatory requirement for anyone wishing to coach locally. Coaches who do not possess the qualification will not be eligible for coaching. The decision reflects the BFA's commitment to raising coaching standards while providing coaches with adequate time to meet the new licensing requirements.”
However, the coaches association is not happy with decision, calling it a step back for Botswana football. The association’s president, Nelson Olebile told Sport Monitor that although they are disappointed by the decision, it is what they have always expected.
He said the requirement should have been implemented long time back but the BFA keeps postponing it. Olebile bemoaned that the continuous deferment in the implementation of the requirement will continue to affect the quality of Botswana football.
“To be honest this is what we expected from the BFA. They are going to keep postponing it. “We don’t know what they are waiting for because as far as we are concerned, we have a good number of coaches who qualify,” he said.
Furthermore, Olebile added that the painful part about the decision is that it will continue to affect the quality of football in the league, which will automatically also continue to affect the performance of the national team.
He said there is also a concern on the proper monitoring and spot checks on such coaching requirements alleging that people still sit on the bench without required licenses.
“This is really a concern and as the coaches association, we are so disappointed and some of these decisions are taken without proper consultation. Hopefully someday things will improve,” he noted.