Systems coach, Botlhasitse pays a heavy price for xenophobia
Tuesday, February 18, 2025 | 480 Views |
David Bothasitse. PIC MORERI SEJAKGOMO.
The incident took place on November 29, 2024 last month following the two teams' clash which ended 1-0 in favour of Systems. On January 29, the Botswana Football League prosecutor, Makungekwa Maswabi charged Botlhasitse with a single count of misconduct, "relating to allegations of discrimination against a person on account of ethnic origin". He called Niyonzima a "lekwerekwere", a deregotory term used to refer to a foreign national.
The case was then referred to the BFL Disciplinary Committee which delivered its ruling on Monday. In addition to the ban and fine, Botlhasitse received three match stadium ban. He has already served a two-match suspension after he received a red card. The P15,000 fine is expected to be paid within five days of the ruling.
That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...