Is football like a snake, shedding it’s old skin?
Friday, October 11, 2024 | 380 Views |
Changing hands: Babitseng (right) defeated Letshwiti in the BFA elections PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
As winds of change sweep across local football’s landscape, a pensive family has gathered in anticipation of tangible benefits to roll out from the recent shake-up. Tariq Babitseng performed the David act when he floored Maclean Letshwiti in last month’s election, triggering hopes of a fresh start for the game’s long suffering servants. Babitseng’s arrival does not necessarily represent the magic bullet, but there was a collective sigh of relief when the former BFA vice president got the nod to seat at football’s highest table. There are still sceptics and these will not be worn over by mere changes in personnel as football yearns for tangible transformations.
Of particular interest has been the changes that have brought in what are regarded as technocrats at the Botswana Football League (BFL), a sharp departure where dyed in wool football politicians have been the dominant forces.
Whilst celebrating milestones in inclusivity, with notably P5 billion awarded to vulnerable groups, the report sounds a 'siren' on a dangerous and growing trend: the ballooning use of micro-procurement. That this method, designed for small-scale, efficient purchases, now accounts for a staggering 25% (P8 billion) of total procurement value is not a sign of agility, but a 'red flag'. The PPRA’s warning is unequivocal and must be...