BFA seeks to empower BPL

Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Monday July 28, 2014 17:39

Botswana Premier league CEO, Bennette Mamelodi will be part of the committee that will find ways of empowering the Premier League PIC: KAGISO ONKATSWITSE

Sebego told delegates that it has become necessary for the association to embrace the developing trends and accord the BPL more powers. He said consideration maybe to form a legal entity that will run the Premier League and pay a license fee to the association. “It is time we allow the Premier League to run as an entity, employ its staff and source sponsorships.

It will remain the product of the BFA but allowed to grow and professionalise. This has to start with empowerment of the Premier League by amending the constitution,” he said.

Sebego had initially proposed that the committee of three people, chaired by the vice president administration with the legal advisor and BPL chief executive officer be charged with establishing way of undertaking the initiative. However a recommendation was made by one of the delegates that the chairperson of the BPL board be included in that committee. BPL has been seeking independence from the mother body for sometime now so that they can manage their affairs. At their general assembly last month, BPL delegates agreed that it was time that BPL is allowed to negotiate and conclude its own contracts as well as pursuing with more vigor in its drive for professionalism.

“It is not about being separate from the BFA, we just want to be a special member of the association,” BPL CEO, Bennett Mamelodi said at the BPL general assembly. BPL has already drafted their won constitution as well as Play Rules and Regulations for consideration by the mother body.

Meanwhile Sebego informed the delegates at the BFA general assembly on Saturday about the looming changes with regard to the constitution of the association. He said FIFA has resolved to standardize constitutions of its member associations including Botswana. He said that has already been under

taken with FIFA having sent a legal team early this month to the country for a seminar. The seminar, he said, was attended by members of the Statutes Committee and representatives from regions.

Sebego said major changes that they anticipate include the creation of special membership to accommodate partners such as Botswana Primary Schools Sports Association (BOPSA), Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA), Players’ Union and possibly initiatives such as Constituency tournaments.

Other changes expected are the rationalization of the balance of power within structures of the BFA.

“This may lead to reduction of number of delegates sent by regions to this assembly,” Sebego said.

He said FIFA has already sent a draft constitution for consideration by the NEC and discussion by relevant BFA structures. He told the delegates that it maybe necessary for the BFA to hold a special general assembly to discuss the revised constitution.