BFA, Masters� inefficiency exposed

Dennis Keagile | Friday July 18, 2014 12:36

His team, Bloemfontein Celtic refused to release him and compatriot Mogogi Gabonamong for the weekend game. Press reports suggest that the Botswana Football Association (BFA) is considering appealing to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

But I doubt if CAF can help. For me this is a relationship issue than anything else. The way things are, the BFA are at the mercy of Bloemfontein Celtic and ought to have known better and adopted a different approach.

Given that this game has long been on the cards, I expected the BFA through its secretariat to have long negotiated the release of the players. This then brings us to the other issue - BFA chief executive officer, Keith Masters.

For me, I am still to see or appreciate his real value to Botswana football. He was hailed as a sports administration guru, but I have always wondered if he will have the energy for a young association like ours, which needs an energetic hands-on person.

I think what Celtic needed was a humble approach from the BFA to plead for the release of Mogorosi and Gabonamong. This also means that coach, Peter Butler could have negotiated or pleaded with his counterpart at Celtic, Ernst Middendorp to release the players. I am of the view that Celtic is just taking a principled stand as the club is in pre-season training. Attitudes may harden if BFA approaches CAF.

South African clubs are very particular when it comes to releasing players especially outside the FIFA calendar. But if due diligence was done, a solution would have been found.

That is why I doubt if Masters has fulfilled the dream. Not long ago, there were insinuations that he and Butler were not the best of workmates.

It is said BFA president, Tebogo Sebego had to intervene in the feud.

Meanwhile, it is obvious, Guinea Bissau is coming here for a draw and anything more than that will be a big bonus.  This means that the team will have to be solid at the back and not concede any goal. And given that some people will be away because of the holidays, the BFA ought to reduce gate charges.

 

Pre-season

The excitement that greeted the coming on board of property mogul, Said Jamal at Mochudi Centre Chiefs seem to have died down. There is great uncertainty among the rank and file if Chiefs will be a force to reckon with in the coming season.

For some reason, Jamal and the Chiefs board, which include McLean Letshwiti have taken too long to share their vision.

As a result, supporters - except the privileged ones - are reduced to guesswork. It is time the new owners and the management of the team come out in the open about what they have. So far Extension Gunners have been making all the right noises.

But new comers Sankoyo Bushbucks seem not to be ready. The team’s preparations have been patchy and this is not a good sign especially for debutants. Another new comer, Letlapeng ought to be at its best to avoid relegation.

The retirement of Police XI mentor, Sthando Mogwadi came as a surprise.  For his own growth, I would have preferred Maitumelo Junior Letlamoreng to be sent for attachment in one of the great footballing countries to learn. Mogwadi ought to have stayed a little longer, while Letlamoreng gains experience.

 

World Cup

Brazil 2014 will go down as one of the greatest World Cups. From an initial uncertainty about stadium completion and civil unrest, the 2014 tournament had everything - drama, controversy, surprises and great goals.

Who will forget Robin van Persie’s goal against Spain and James Rodriguez’s strike against Uruguay and Lionel Messi’s magical goal against Switzerland? The next global sporting event goes to Brazil again when the country hosts the 2016 Olympic Games.

I wonder why we cannot host a sporting event that can transform an entire society. Botswana ought to invest greatly in sports infrastructure as sports is another alternative form of employment. The fact that it has taken more than five years to build a simple stadium in Francistown highlights a big deficiency in our project management. Botswana has to learn to work under stringent conditions.

 

Commonwealth Games

Good luck to the Commonwealth bound team. I just hope that Isaac Makwala, Nigel Amos and Amantle Montsho will do us proud besides the karatekas and boxers who never disappoints. Botswana can only get better if more athletes succeed at international level. Good luck to all.