Give unto Bright what belongs to Bright

| Tuesday November 20, 2007 00:00

Following the 2-0 triumph over Morocco over the weekend, the man does not only deserve a mere pat on the back but rather appropriate remunerations for the services he is rendering to both the BFA and the nation. In his interview with the Botswana television sports commentator after the game Bright expressed his dissatisfaction regarding the treatment he is given by the BFA as far as his benefits are concerned. From that interview he vividly exposed with disapproval the existing gap between the treatment given to the senior national team coach and him as the under 23 coach. It is common sense and obvious that the two teams are not of equal recognition, since one is more senior than the other. However effort needs to be made on the part of the BFA to make parties of either sides not feel under rated and mal-considered. In other words the BFA must try in all forms to create an accommodative allowance structure that will be fair and considerate. This will in effect cease to close down or bridge the seemingly vast difference between the two sides, both at the technical staff level and players themselves.

Meanwhile, the BFA might as well consider employing the performance based reward system where players and coaches would be rewarded according to the results of every game they play. I do not see any problems with the implementation of such a system especially since it has been unanimously approved in all government departments. Here the BFA could fix the daily allowances for the players and the technical staff when they assume the camp as the existing practice. Then they could as well fix calculated rates of allowances depending on whether they win, lose or draw respectively. It is quite indisputable that Bright and the boys displayed outstanding performance in most of the games they played and competitions they partook in-not to impugn the works of other national teams. He certainly has justified grounds making his demands and he has every reason to. Frankly even the blind would have concrete and reliable testimony to tell about this man's performance.

As a supporter of both the national football teams, I appreciate the efforts of the Botswana Football Association to appease the two sides but I have continued to feel that the status quo is not sustainable. I also appreciate, on the part of the BFA, the existing financial constraints but I am of the view that the BFA should spearhead financial appeals to relevant authorities and organizations with interest in the improvement of our football. Recent performances of the two sides show great improvement in our football.

Botswana is certainly no longer the 'whipping boys of Africa' as we were once nicknamed. Of late Batswana enjoy better football of their teams' and they 'no longer cry foul from the fees they part with at the gates. Let me now take this same moment to congratulate major general Bright for the stunning performance and his dedication to serving the country. Let not his full engagement at Township Rollers be an impeding stone to the issuance of that which he is entitled to. That would be so unfair on him. He truly has earned his stripes and he is better placed to answer what he has done for his country and not what his country has done for him.

Tebogo K Matshome
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