Why BFA backs Motsepe
Mqondisi Dube | Friday November 13, 2020 16:01
Botswana recently abstained from offering support to incumbent Ahmad Ahmad when 46 of the 54 associations, wrote a letter in support of the Malagasy.
“Our reaction was that we wanted to see everybody who is standing, so that we can make a choice. It means those who gave letters of support were content with the candidate,” Letshwiti said.
He said Motsepe’s qualities, as an astute entrepreneur was key in their backing.
“Football is a multi-billion dollar industry globally and the fastest growing business currently. The unfortunate thing is that the share of that business for Africa is very minimal yet there is potential for growth. The presentation of the product is far below par in Africa. Why, because, football in our continent is not run like a business. It must be run by business people, that is our argument,” Letshwiti said.
He said issues of governance still lag behind, and said they believe a person like Motsepe would be able to turn fortunes around.
“That is why we felt that Motsepe, as an accomplished businessperson has the credentials for a paradigm shift for African football, which must be run like a business. It is about his impeccable credentials as a businessperson that maybe we can change the quality and prosperity of African football. It is for this reason that we put it before our NEC to give support to Motsepe,” Letshwiti said.
On reasons why they had decided to go against Ahmad, a candidate they supported in 2017, Letshwiti said it was about a more credible alternative.
“He has done the best, but maybe it’s about time somebody takes over. Personally, we are still friends, but when you look at the pool of people…maybe (Motsepe) is currently head and shoulders above the rest. Things change.”
He said as COSAFA they had not discussed on who to endorse.
“In due course, I am sure COSAFA has to look at the issue and make a decision. Obviously, we are different people and we see things differently, but I hope the majority of the COSAFA people will throw their weight (behind Motsepe).”
He said the fact that Motsepe’s hands are full, makes him the right person for the job.
“Of course, people say he is very busy but my view is that people who do not have time better manage their time, because they know they don’t have time. They manage their time more profitably. He is not an employee but he is a leader. We have a secretariat that does operational work and then we have the board that helps drive strategy and direction. So the question of time is not an issue,” Letshwiti said.
Letshwiti is also contesting to be in the CAF executive committee.