Disappointed Batlokwa keeps Zebras option open
Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday June 14, 2017 16:50
Batlokwa had been called-up to the Zebras camp, but the Botswana Football Association (BFA) refused to meet travel costs for the 19-year-old. He had informed the mother body that he would be in Botswana, the country of his birth, for a holiday during the training camp and only wanted a return ticket. “I was told that it was not possible.
They clearly stated that they would not take care of my expenses,” Batlokwa told Mmegi Sport yesterday. Asked if he was disappointed at the turn of events, Batlokwa said: “Disappointed is an understatement. It was my first call up and the whole thing was unorganised. That just made me question the association’s professionalism.
I would definitely be happy to be called up in future, provided things are well organised. Until I am reassured, I will be concentrating on my football here.”
His views on the BFA were publicly shared by Zebras coach, Peter Butler who accused the association of having a laissez-faire attitude on national team matters.
Earlier this month, Batlokwa, who is also eligible to represent England, had said his options were still open.
“Well, I have been given an opportunity by Botswana right now and it’s important that they see me from close (up) and I also get a taste of what it would be to represent Botswana before I commit to anything,” he told Mmegi Sport from England.
Batlokwa left Botswana at the age of 10 and settled in London where he joined Essex Thurrock.
He had trials at Arsenal while playing for the Under-13 squad. He is a product of Re Ba Bona Ha, a Botswana National Sport Commission development programme.