It is almost a full year since the leagues were suspended last March, following the outbreak of the pandemic, which has vastly altered the sport landscape. The Botswana Football Association (BFA) had set February as the month football would swing back into full action. However, a second wave sweeping across the country threatens to scupper the plans. BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti wants football to return, but said circumstances could be beyond their control. “One of the challenges facing us is to start football being played in Botswana. We want to play football, but first and foremost is the health of the players,” Letshwiti said this week.
“This is going to be a big challenge for Botswana. Elsewhere like in South Africa, the clubs and the league mobilise resources. They can afford the financial burden without bothering the mother body. Here, the league is not that professional.” He said it would be difficult to adhere to COVID-19 protocols due to the costs. However, he said the intention is to start the league next month. “However, it is not my call, there is the Ministry of Health and compliance. For regional leagues, it might not be a challenge, but for the top league it is different as it is played across zones. The circumstances are different, we cannot just say they are playing (football) in South Africa,” he said.
