Butler wants more Under - 20 control
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday October 26, 2016 18:00
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has said it will announce the team’s technical team, but George Mogopodi and David Kopi are reportedly earmarked.
“We will send a team to South Africa. We will make an announcement regarding the team,” BFA acting chief executive officer, Susan Lawrence told Mmegi Sport this week.
But sources said Butler wanted more say in the team, as he believes the junior side is a feeder to the national team. Butler has been on a countrywide tour scouting for young talent and reportedly wants more influence.
“Butler has just returned from a trip in Kasane with another scouting trip planned for Francistown, Maun and Palapye. He is keen to be involved in the Under-20s as he intends to involve them with the senior team in future but the usual fights within the (BFA) technical department are keeping him at bay,” a source said.
Butler refused to comment on the matter when contacted for comment.
BFA technical director, Ben Kgomela and Butler’s frosty relationship is public knowledge.
The two do not see eye to eye since Butler was appointed coach, as the Englishman believes Kgomela is not the right man for the job and is out to frustrate his efforts.
Kgomela’s future hangs in the balance with reports that his contract would not be renewed while Butler’s Zebras deal runs out in March.
Meanwhile, the draw for the COSAFA Under-20 tournament takes place in South Africa today. Botswana is in Pot 1 for Wednesday’s draw with the higher ranked countries Namibia, Lesotho, Comoros and Zambia.