Sing All Kasi's praises too

MPHO MARUPING | Friday July 15, 2011 00:00

We have showered accolades to various stakeholders who soldiered on despite numerous challenges during the campaign. Players were heaped with praises as they made sure of collecting points and maintaining pole position right from the start of the campaign up until the end of the contest. The team also made history by becoming the first country to qualify on its maiden appearance. Money was also splashed on the players for their splendid performance.

The technical team which comprises of the coaches, trainer, physio, psychologists, medics, managers, also had their share of praises from the football fraternity.  The head coach turned an instant hero and his name has been on many people's lips.  He was held high and hoisted up by jubilant Zebras sympathisers.  The team was also given a grand reception on their arrival from a stoical display in Chad via Morocco.  They walked on the red carpet and the nation waived the national flags, ululated, sang, danced, whistled and shouted at the top of their voices and some even shed tears of joy. When Bra Stan got on stage at Notwane grounds to make his presentation a deafening applause engulfed the scene.  Stan!  Stan!  Stan!  His name venerated by fans.

The BFA was not left behind either, especially the Technical Director, Sonny Sethibe, the man mandated to run the technical office spearheaded the advance team that went to Chad to introspect on the playing field, climatic conditions, food, water, language, accommodation and other intricacies. The development did not go unnoticed as the local media also congratulated them for the superb preparations.  To add cherry on top of the confectionary, the government managed to send some Zebras fans to give the team extra motivation.

Local cellphone business giants' be Mobile were given a pat on the back since they are a prominent stakeholder in uplifting the standard of soccer in the country. People recognise their support as they are sponsors for the local Soccer Premier League. Since its reign as sponsors the game has drastically improved as the prize money for the competitors is hefty.  Even the relegated team drops down to the lower ranks with a handsome cheque. Teams have upped their performance since they want to grab the coveted trophy, which goes along with a whopping cool P1 million cash money. Players play to their potential as there is P1, 000 for a player of the match for every televised game.

Of all the praises none of the applauses or very minimal went to the BFA gear sponsors, All Kasi.  I am vividly convinced that since the chaps are locals they were always going to be given a raw deal.  The main problem with the company directors is they enjoy to mix with the rank and file.  Even at the stadiums they loathe sitting at the grand stand and prefer mixing with the grassroots.  It was a shame before for players to fail to exchange their shirts after international games as we had no technical sponsors.  Who can forget Arsenal Emmanuel Eboue when he gave an interview half-naked after giving out his shirt to a Zebras player as they could not swap shirts? Also the tussle that erupted after some Zebras players swapped shirts with some Egyptian players without the consent of the BFA.  Players concerned were hurled before the disciplinary committee and pleaded guilty to the offence.

Since the emergence of these young sporting entrepreneurs who rubbed shoulders with sporting clothing giants like Adidas, Nike, Puma, Umbro, etc, the association had been sparred the wrath on issues of sporting attire.

Throughout the competition they fought tooth and nail to save our face.  The guys were better off than Puma and Umbro who gave a shoddy job, just because we were not on the map then.  Our players can swap gear with their favourite opposition opponents, they now keep their jerseys as memorabilia, can give their shirts to their fans, friends and family members. We saw this happening during All Kasi tenure as technical sponsors.

I have leant that their contract would soon expire and the advert is out inviting companies to submit their proposals to tender for BFA Technical sponsor.  The grapevine mentioned that some reputable companies have also submitted proposals even before BFA released the advertisement.  Kana these big sponsors come along with bribes that go to the deal brokers?  After all Batswana are like that, they enjoy disempowering their countrymen and empower foreigners.