Letshwiti's rivals fight back
Mqondisi Dube | Friday July 31, 2020 12:51
The Appeals Committee sat yesterday to hear presidential candidates, Tebogo Sebego and Ookeditse Malesu’s appeals, against their vetting by the Electoral Committee board.
The two failed to make it past the first hurdle, but have since appealed. The Appeals Committee reserved judgement on the matter.
The committee was expected to deliberate on a letter written by Tariq Babitseng, who represents Extension Gunners. There was contention regarding Babitseng’s position at Gunners after he was removed from office through a motion of no-confidence last November.
Babitseng’s first complaint is that the BFA president was conflicted when his company, Avis sold vehicles to the Premier League.
But Letshwiti denied any wrongdoing, arguing he had disclosed his interests, and additionally, was not involved in the decision to purchase vehicles from his company.
Babitseng wants Letshwiti disqualified from running for office on the basis of conflict of interest.
The second relates to gambling, after Letshwiti’s company won a national lottery tender. Babitseng argues this contravenes FIFA’s code of ethics that bars members from being engaged in gambling or betting related to football matters.
It is said Letshwiti countered that there is no sports betting in Botswana, and therefore the matter should not be considered. Babitseng’s other concern relates to unethical conduct where he accuses Letshwiti of “not being a good leader”.
“As chairman of Extension Gunners Football Cub, I wish to state my dealing with Mr Letshwiti, whose leadership qualities are not for growing Botswana football as proven by the facts where he continued to tarnish my image and divided a society I lead,” Babitseng said.
He also accuses Letshwiti of forgery and fabrication, arising from certain documents submitted to the National Executive Committee.
He argues, some information was inserted, when it was not supposed to be, and Letshwiti needs to explain the matter.
“In conclusion, I humbly submit that Mr Letshwiti does not meet the integrity, eligibility criteria and standards required for the stated football statutes, and therefore his name, should be removed from the list of candidates for the 2020 BFA Presidential Elections,” Babitseng said.