2015: Zebras rise, Amos stumble and clubs, BFA in turmoil
Mqondisi Dube | Friday December 18, 2015 12:21
The country’s biggest and most popular sport, football, was under the spotlight for both the right and wrong reasons. However, the refreshing Zebras’ performances would, on the overall, slightly overshadow any negative to emerge during the year.
The Zebras began the year by beating South Africa in the quarterfinals of the COSAFA Cup in Moruleng in May.
However, the usual stumble returned in the semi final when Mozambique knocked out Peter Butler’s boys.
Results did not match the team’s convincing performances as Butler put together an exciting young unit which went on to conquer continental powerhouses; Mali and Burkina Faso. The two famous victories were sandwiched in between by a 3-1 win over Eritrea meaning the Zebras completed 2015 undefeated at the new Francistown Sports Complex.
Disappointingly, the Zebras crashed out of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers despite a brave fight against Mali and would step into 2016 hoping to put their Africa Cup of Nations campaign firmly back on track when they host Comoros in March.
Zebras break records
The Zebras broke three records this year. The national team played its first ever competitive match in the country’s second largest city, Francistown when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 before a then record crowd of just above 25,200 while the attendance was at an all time high of 26,662 against Mali. The year also saw the Zebras beat Mali for the first time after three unsuccessful attempts.
Francistown Sports Complex opens
After a painstakingly slow delay, the Francistown Sports Complex eventually opened with the first game at the 26,500 seater with a 1-0 win over Burkina Faso in September.
Hopes were high that the stadium would be named after a former sports star or some iconic Francistown figure or landscape, but the Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng, after consultation through Facebook, settled for the Francistown Sports Complex. The opening of the stadium gives the country three quality facilities, which puts Botswana in great advantage to bid for the AFCON in future.
Bondo, Phokoje shine
Top referee, Joshua Bondo continued to fly the Botswana flag with high profile appointments across the continent, raising hope the whistle man, nicknamed sprinter, might eventually make the 2017 AFCON grade. The same can be said about basketball umpire, Mothusi Phokoje who scored a first when he handled the South African National League finals.
Montsho receives two-year ban
Although Amantle Montsho spent the year out of the spotlight, amid heightening speculation over her future in athletics, it was in 2015 that the former world champion received a two-year suspension for taking a banned substance.
The ban, viewed as generally harsh, took effect in July last year meaning she can make a comeback just before next year’s Rio Olympics. However, this looks highly remote given she has been off the track for sometime.
Amos suffers heartbreak
Nijel Amos capped another successful year with a Diamond League title. However, this appeared more of a consolation after a stumble, that shook the nation at the World Championships in Beijing in August. Largely tipped to power his way to his first gold at the World Championships, Amos made a surprise semi-final exit, leaving a nation in shock as his arch rival, David Rudisha eased to another world title. Overall, it was a disappointing out for Botswana in Beijing as another medal hopeful, Isaac Makwala crashed out in the early stages.
BFA in turmoil
The Botswana Football Association (BFA), despite a successful year in which the Zebras excelled and returns from the turnstiles improved, had a rather forgettable year administratively.
BFA’s first expatriate chief executive officer, Keith Masters, left under a cloud and there were further suspensions for technical staff, Ben Kgomela and Phil Makgwengwe.
BFA vice president (administration), Tariq Babitseng left in controversial circumstances. As the year winds, there is no peace at the BFA, with president, Tebogo Sebego, facing rebellion from within his executive with an election year looming large. During the year, the BFA appointed tested administrator, Kitso Kemoeng, as its CEO to turn fortunes around, but he too, faces a stern test as Sebego’s internal critics fight tooth and nail to remove him.
Clubs make the courts their second home
Top Premiership sides faced a testing year with Gaborone United, Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Extension Gunners and Township Rollers all grappling with devastating internal wrangles. All the issues remain unresolved with GU and Rollers matters having reached the courts, a trend which continued from last year where BMC (now Gilport Lions) also trekking to the courts. Similarly, all the matters arise from privatisation issues, meaning an urgent remedy is needed.
BNSC transformation
The year will pass with the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) been replaced by a more inclusive Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC). For continuity, minister Olopeng appointed Solly Reikeletseng as the chairperson while Falcon Sedimo became the new chief executive officer. However, the commission would be concerned that year in and year out, almost the same codes remain active while a high number has remained practically non-existent.
Botswana Games go to Francistown
The second city capped a fine year when it hosted the fourth edition of the Botswana Games and the hosts emerged as overall winners.
Netball, IWG on course
The Botswana Netball Association (BONA) hosted International Netball Federation president, Molly Rhone, as preparations to host the 2017 World Youth Netball Cup gather pace. She was impressed with facilities as the government committed to hosting the tournament. The International Working Group on women in sports, continued to engage various stakeholders on women’s involvement in sport. Botswana is hosting the IWG secretariat until 2018.