BFA too broke to prepare Zebras
Mqondisi Dube | Friday April 29, 2016 12:15
In contrast, their opponents are leaving no stone unturned in their quest to reach Gabon in 2017 as they will set base in Zimbabwe for two weeks prior to the Zebras clash. Besides playing Zimbabwe, Uganda will face one of the top five African sides in a friendly match, serving a notice of intent to the resource- constrained Zebras.
Uganda are joint top with Burkina Faso on seven points while the Zebras are second with six, with two matches remaining. Only the group winners and two best-placed runners-up progress to next year’s finals.
BFA chief executive officer, Kitso Kemoeng admits it is always a mammoth task to get the Zebras in camps.
“It is expensive. As it is we have an invitation from Ghana, but we always have to beg from the government to assist us with funds to get the team into camp.
We have solid plans (for the team) but we are let down by resources.
It’s a big, big struggle just to get the team into camp, so what about friendly matches?” asked Kemoeng.
He said they always make unsuccessful appeals to the government, and have already seen opportunities to play friendly matches against Kenya, Iran and Niger pass by.
“We have made submissions (to government) but we have been told we cannot get help. Right now we are working on a budget to submit to the government regarding the Ghana offer. The discomfort is that we make submission after submission to the government,” he said.
Kemoeng said it costs anything above P500,000 to organise a local match for the Zebras and costs escalate when the team plays in Francistown due to distance.
However, he commended the Francistown community and businesses for their support, which cushions the association.
Zebras coach, Peter Butler said he hopes the association will organise a friendly match of the “required standard”.
“I am hoping to bring in the players on May 16 and we shall have to access the situation then.
We are all hoping the BFA has arranged a friendly fixture of a standard that will prepare us for the rigours of facing Uganda as it is going to be a very tough game,” he said.