Divided BFA ponders Butler�s future
Mqondisi Dube | Friday March 24, 2017 15:19
Butler has split opinion, with some Botswana Football Association (BFA) National Executive Committee members not too keen to retain him while president, Maclean Letshwiti felt there is need for continuity. “There is mutual interest from both sides but nothing agreed,” said a source.
Butler was appointed Zebras coach in 2014 under Tebogo Sebego’s leadership and went onto reach the finals of the COSAFA Cup last year, but failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as well as the Africa Nations Championships (CHAN).
While the BFA and Butler have chosen to keep negotiations a secret, sources expect the former West Ham United midfielder to stay on for another three years, although nothing is guaranteed at this stage. “If he signs, his mandate would be made clear; to qualify for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals,” said the source. “Some people have their own preferred candidates, which is why they want Butler out. This has slowed negotiations,” the source said.
BFA chief executive officer, Ookeditse Malesu said negotiations are ongoing with an announcement expected next week.
“We are still dealing with the issue, I guess next week we will have a way forward,” Malesu said.
Butler flew out to Tanzania with the national team yesterday.
Meanwhile, Butler justified some of his team selections during a press conference at Lekidi Centre on Wednesday. The coach, reacting to a question on why some unattached and returning players like Ofentse Nato and Kaone Van Der Westhueizen made the cut for the Tanzania trip, said the selection of the team would always be subjective.
“Whichever way they would be questions, selection is subjective. International football is different from local competition. You look for balance of youth and experience when you select your squad. There is need for mental strength, otherwise you do not exist. That is why I selected the likes of Nato, (Lemponye) Tshireletso, Lesego (Galenamotlhale). I want players with good ethics and moral,” Butler said.
Butler had called three young players to his 26 member squad, which was trimmed to 20 on Wednesday. He once again, emphasised the importance of young talent.
“There is an abundance of talent in Botswana. If anybody says there is no talent in Botswana, they are fools. I do my homework, nobody watches local football as I do,” he said. The coach said he had problems with coaches who do not give young players a chance.
“Why is the league a parking lot for old players? I am not afraid of using young players. I would rather lose doing the right thing,” he said.