I won't quit - Fani

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Thursday October 7, 2010 00:00

 

Fani told a media briefing in Gaborone yesterday that he saw no reason to quit his seat.

'No, I will not quit. I am not a coward,' Fani said. The media conference was held against a background of conflicting reports about the constituency tournaments and the bid to host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

Fani reiterated that the BFA did not mislead the nation on impending FIFA sanction over the constituency tournaments. 'We sought clarity from FIFA.  The letter to FIFA written by (Phakamile) Kraai was properly sanctioned. The writing of the letter was in order. The only issue was the language,' Fani said of the letter written by a junior officer and sent to FIFA without supervision.

He said there was no reason to take action against Kraai (public relations officer) as the former BFA chief executive officer, Tosh Kgotlele was responsible for the day-to-day running of the association, and therefore was accountable.

'It will not be appropriate to take action against Kraai, if the former CEO was around then he is the person to account,' Fani said.

Quizzed on the BFA's present position regarding constituency tournaments, Fani said while it is a good idea, its implementation is a problem.

Fani defended the decision to send BFA vice president (administration), Boyce Sebetela to the media conference addressed by the Minister of Sports, Youth and Culture, Shaw Kgathi despite being new in the post.

'On the day, Sebetela was the (BFA) president as I was away.'

On the AFCON bid, Fani admitted that they left it until late but said they had agreed, after a meeting with sports ministry representatives, to drop the proposal. He said the decision came after it was agreed to channel funds towards the Zebras' AFCON campaign and because of the global economic recession.

But journalists pointed out that the recession started more than two years ago and the BFA knew about it. 'The recession is still on,' Fani said curtly to murmurs of disapproval from the scribes.

The BFA only submitted its bid document days before the September 30 CAF deadline.

Meanwhile, Fani told the media that Daniel Nare has been appointed substantive Under-23 coach. He replaces Kenneth Mogae who wants to focus on his job as Zebras' assistant coach.

Prior to his relinquishing the Under-23 job, Mogae held three positions. He was coach of  Boteti Young Fighters, Young Zebras and assistant to Stan Tshosane in the Zebras set-up.

The Under-23 side kick-off their campaign to qualify for the 2012 Olympics against Namibia at the new Lobatse Stadium on Saturday.

Some Premier League fixtures have been postponed to accommodate the tie. The only fixture on Saturday will be between Black Peril and TASC at the SSKB.