FIFA, BFA elections, Olympics headline 2016
Mqondisi Dube | Friday January 8, 2016 11:56
BFA go for elections
The local football fraternity would know between July and August if Tebogo Sebego remains the Botswana Football Association (BFA) president or a new man would be in charge.
Towards the end of 2015, internal BFA fights spiralled out of control amid growing reports Sebego will face a challenger from within.
There are also a number of names from outside being bandied around with candidates expected to emerge from their cocoon as campaigns burst open in the coming months.
Sebego will complete his first four-year term when the BFA goes for its annual general assembly between July and August.
The BFA top brass has a critical call to make as FIFA holds its election on February 26. The BFA is expected to decide on which candidate should replace disgraced former FIFA strongman, Sepp Blatter.
Sebego would have the final say when he casts his vote in Zurich, regardless of whatever candidate the National Executive Committee settles on.
FIFA chooses Blatter’s successor
FIFA plunged into a crisis of unprecedented levels when its long serving head, Sepp Blatter was suspended amid swirling concerns over corruption.
UEFA president, Michel Platini, largely seen as Blatter’ successor was dealt a crushing blow when he too was suspended, making him ineligible for the top post. Platini was considered as BFA’s favoured candidate. The local association is divided on who to vote for, but regardless FIFA will have a new president after the February election.
The biggest challenge for the new candidate would be to clean an organisation, which has seen its name being dragged through the mud over corruption allegations. Several top FIFA officials face graft charges with some already sentenced.
FIFA’s image is now in tatters and the new man faces monumental efforts to restore the organisation’s integrity.
Rio Olympics
History was made four years ago when Nijel Amos won Botswana’s first ever Olympic medal when he came second in London behind arch rival, David Rudisha. The Rio Olympics in August might see a record participation from Botswana with the local Olympic committee saying it intends to send 20 athletes.
However, Amos still remains the country’s safest medal bet despite a disappointing and surprise semi-final exit at last year’s World Championships in Beijing. The country also boasts of young and upcoming athletes such as Baboloki Thebe and Karabo Sibanda who are likely to benefit from going to the Olympics.
Trouble in Premiership paradise
Local clubs faced a rough 2015 with increasing fights over ownership and a bleak financial future. Instead of leading the way, clubs such as Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Gaborone United, Township Rollers and Extension Gunners have slid into an ownership/leadership crisis.
Botswana Premier League leadership would be hard pressed to attend to burning issues particularly the clubs’ financial dire straits, which are not in tandem with the 2008 Bosele Declaration. Sponsorship figures have improved for the league, but clubs continue to swim in poverty with several failing to meet monthly obligations.
Montsho to complete ban
Former 400m world champion, Amantle Montsho completes her two year ban for doping in July. However, that would be too late for Montsho to make the cut for the Rio Olympics in August. It would be the first time since 2004 that Montsho has missed the Olympics and might draw the curtain to a close for an athlete who has thrust the country into global limelight despite failing a doping test at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Up until the emergence of Amos, Montsho has been the country’s leading athletics light and represented Botswana with impeccable dedication.
Zebras expected to kick-on
The Zebras were flying towards the end of the year and more of the same is expected in the new year. Comoros are the next opponents as Peter Butler’s charges attempt only a second Africa Cup of Nations finals appearance.
BNSC should be ruthless
The newly constituted Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) needs to move swiftly in dealing with inept affiliates. Out of the 36 registered codes, less than half remain visible while the rest play an unwanted cameo.
This year, chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng and his chief executive officer, Falcon Sedimo should prove that they have teeth – and therefore can bite - by removing slumbering codes. The national sports body has consistently requested for an improved grant from the government, however, the solution might lie at their doorstep; trimming evident deadwood.