Mmegi

Is football like a snake, shedding it’s old skin?

Changing hands: Babitseng (right) defeated Letshwiti in the BFA elections PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Changing hands: Babitseng (right) defeated Letshwiti in the BFA elections PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

September 14 marked a watershed moment for local football as the Botswana Football Association (BFA) had a new president for the first time in eight years. It triggered a snowball effect, as the wheels of change rolled into the BFA’s organ, the Botswana Football League (BFL). The changes, particularly at the apex of the BFL tree, could signal a game in the process of shedding its old skin, argues Staff Writer, MQONDISI DUBE

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.

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