One step forward, two backwards

| Tuesday July 27, 2010 00:00

The sport holds lofty ambitions and has indeed produced and agreed to relevant roadmaps (Bosele Declaration).  However, time and again, throwing a spanner in the works appears to be replacing professionalism.  At a time when clubs are being directed towards professionalism through the Bosele Declaration and other pointers, BPL's administrators appear to be a step behind prevailing trends.  It is inconceivable in more progressive leagues that the absence or delayed availability of basic documents such as Audited Financial Statements and minutes could derail critical meetings.  Why should convenors go ahead with such an important meeting when such documents are not available?

The Premier League clearly needs to walk the talk when it comes to professionalism. Sports administration should be taken as seriously as administration of companies and other business entities. In the latter case, the timely availability of basic documents such as financial statements and minutes is actually the rule rather than an exception, as the Premier League seems to believe it should be. The league's administrators should take the blame and fully accept responsibility for Sunday's gaffe, which is a no-no in modern football. We sometimes look at the players in our various national teams and wish that they could perform miracles on the field of play.  But how is that possible when administrators have not upped their game? Until the men, and women, who run the football league, and even our clubs, shed their amateurish ways, our football will fall below public expectations.

Kabelano Charity CupThe Kabelano Charity Cup has been one of themost sought-after events of Botswana's sports calendar. Over the years, football fans have come to look forward to this one-day extravaganza that combines football and music. As the name implies, the event is run for the benefit of good causes, and for some of the charitable organisations, Kabelano may be the only benefactor that helps them achieve their goals.  We are aware that the tournament does not give out tonnes of money, but the little that it does has been highly appreciated. Hence it is extremely regrettable that, as we understand it, this year's event might not take place due to disagreement between Premier league clubs and the organisers over sponsorship.  Of course, contractual obligations between the league and the teams are not to be undermined. However, the value of giving to charity cannot be overstated. Besides, Kabelano Charity Cup has grown to become a high profile pre-season tournament that Batswana look forward to.

These facts should inform the common sense approach needed to break the impasse in the negotiations. On behalf of Batswana, we urge the teams not to forgo charity and to inform organisers of the Kabelano Cup well in advance what they want to see happen in future.

Today's thought'We are hopeful that the issue will be resolved soon. It is clear there is much rapport among stakeholders.'

- Terrence Dambe, Chairperson of Kabelano Trust