BFA to 'summon' Bright over utterances
Chakalisa Dube | Friday October 19, 2018 14:49
“As an association, it is worrying that the comments he (Bright) made were made in a public platform instead of using available internal channels,” BFA public relations and marketing officer, Tumo Mpatane said.
“We will take up the matter and try to find solutions. This is something that we definitely have to look at.”
During a press briefing in Francistown on Monday, Bright tore into his employers and said they have failed to provide adequate support to the team. Some believe this was the coach’s way of trying to shrug off pressure as a result of the Zebras’ poor run.
“Lack of funds for preparations is the reason we are not doing well. The BFA does not have the budget for the national team,” said a visibly frustrated Bright, adding that the Zebras will not achieve anything unless those in power change tact. “The government does not also provide enough funds for the association, but does not provide enough for preparations.”
Bright said when the team is not doing well, people are quick to blame the coach instead of looking at the root cause. Prior to the media briefing, Bright had made it clear that he would say things as they are. “Today I am going to speak like a patriot,” he said.
He would later remark that he would not step down, but “will go and enjoy life at his farm” if sacked.
“I will not resign. If you push me out, it is fine I will go and enjoy life at my farm,” he said. Even after the Burkina Faso match, on Tuesday, Bright maintained that the BFA did not give him enough support.
He decried issues like paying players’ allowances late, saying this had a direct bearing on the results. Bright noted that the BFA never organised high profile friendly matches, which can help prepare the Zebras for gruelling matches like the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Mpatane said the BFA management would sit down with Bright to see how preparations of the team could be improved. Bright has been faulted for the Zebras’ poor performance in the AFCON qualifiers.
The team lies bottom of Group I and has failed to advance to the final of the 2019 AFCON tourney after a second leg goalless draw with Burkina Faso.