But the BNSC turned down BFA’s request, citing the government’s constrained financial position. In the rejection letter, BNSC said government has channelled most funds to the COVID-19 fight, and therefore was unable to approve the hosting proposal. “This decision arises mainly from the fact that the prevailing recessive economy and the huge expenditure by government in the fight against COVID-19 has led to lower than usual funding being availed to MYSC, and by extension the commission,” BNSC chief executive officer (CEO), Tuelo Serufho stated in the letter.
“Consequently, while the board fully appreciates the benefits of the event, including the positive effect it would have on women’s football in the country, the view is that it would not be prudent to host now,” he added. It is reported that the BFA had asked for assistance in kind, in the form of security, medical personnel, among others. However, a source at BNSC said the event would have set back their coffers by P4 million. “The BFA needed money to host. It is not accurate to say they did not need money,” the source said. The official added, the country would have stood to benefit P10 million, which COSAFA and BFA would have spent during the eight-day event. But BNSC’s concern was that not all of the money would have ended up in Botswana, the source added.
