Letshwiti speaks on season's decision
Staff Writer | Friday June 19, 2020 13:44
Maclean Letshwiti: We had options to finish the league, nullify the league or stop the league, and declare the winners and relegate losers. The passage of time dictated that we could not extend the league. Where we are, we are at the beginning of a new season, according to our constitution. Therefore, we don’t have time to extend the league. So we were left with two options. Because of the medical report, and the cost, there was no way teams could afford to finish the league under certain circumstances. The only option was to stop the league in order to save lives and also in terms of costs. So, those were factors that influenced us to stop the league.
Mmegi Sport: Of the two options, why did you not choose to nullify the league?
Letshwiti: In terms of competition, there is supposed to be a winner and loser. Even though we did not go 100%, the majority of the games had been played. It means competition did take place. It would be unfair to teams that spent money and prepared. Everybody had a chance to be number one or number two. Given the circumstances, we had to reward people.
Mmegi Sport: How ready are you for a possible backlash arising from your decision?
Letshwiti: Botswana is a democratic country. The decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) is final and binding. There was also a democratic process where teams were consulted and on face value, most teams concur with the decision taken. Unfortunately, people are misreading the situation. There is maybe only one or two teams that are disgruntled because they are relegated. We have our own statutory rules, if you are unhappy, you have to go through the BFA structures. If you go to court, it’s a one-way window, you will never come back. It’s not a threat. The question of whether (the decision) is fair or not, our judicial structures will weigh. For us, it was about lives and costs.
Every decision we make is best for football. Every decision has takers and non-takers. Some people are unhappy because they are relegating, but that is a personal and not a football reason. The majority is in agreement with our decision.
Mmegi Sport: What would you say to criticism that consultation of teams was half-hearted, just a process to tick the box?
Letshwiti: Everybody was given a chance, as far as we are concerned, our structures did consult with their teams. Regional structures are our members, teams are their members. We deal with our structure, and they deal with their structures.
Mmegi Sport: But how useful was the consultation in terms of NEC arriving at the final decision?
Letshwiti: It helped us understand what the majority thinks. But at the end of the day, the decision cannot be owned by any other structure other than the NEC. Whether they said yes or no, we take full ownership. It’s always good to consult and hear what people think, but at the end of the day, the NEC has to take a decision in the best interest of the association.
Mmegi Sport: Was there no way you could have ratified your statutes to allow the season to be finished?
Letshwiti: In Europe (where the seasons are being completed), they adhere to certain coronavirus (COVID-19) rules. In Botswana, you test a player and they go back to the community and imagine if they are infected. Regarding the constitution, it’s a general assembly decision. Even if I wanted (to extend), we would have to ask for ratification. But as it stands, we have to adhere to the constitution. It was a constitutional matter we did not want to tamper with.
Mmegi Sport: With the COVID-19 situation as it is, what does it mean for next season?
Letshwiti: We do not know, but the future looks bleak. Football will never be the same until a vaccine is found.
Mmegi Sport: What does it mean for sponsorships that you have?
Letshwiti: We are in touch with our sponsors and they understand the situation. It’s force majeure. We are all watching. At the end of the State of Emergency, we will have indications as to where we are going, and whether corporations are in a position to sponsor or not. This is a global challenge. If you do not play football the normal way, how do you give sponsors mileage? It is a real challenge. That is why sponsors in South Africa are pulling out.
Mmegi Sport: What is the decision regarding the FA Cup?
Letshwiti: We will play it as a pre-season cup if the situation allows.