The Zebras are in Francistown, having played Algeria on Friday and are to take on Somalia this evening. The team’s camp was not without drama as the Botswana Football Association (BFA)’s vice president-technical, Tebogo ‘Tico’ Kamati accused the association’s chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo, of ignoring protocol. Zebras’ captain, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe was a noticeable absentee as the team lost 3-1 to Algeria. SportMonitor is informed that Ditlhokwe’s decision to fly directly to Francistown rather than join the rest of the squad in Gaborone irked Kamati. The administrator then forced Ditlhokwe to write an apology while this publication is further informed Kamati instructed the team’s coach, Morena Ramoreboli not to field the reliable defender.
#Ramoreboli has since come out to say that the selection process is solely his responsibility and the BFA would have informed the public if there were any interference. The coach’s remarks may be seen as ‘diplomatic’ as he is caught between the BFA warring parties. This is highlighted by Kamati’s statement that says Mfolo did not follow protocol in writing an apology to Ditlhokwe and other internationally based players. Kamati said Mfolo ignored a structured framework at the BFA that ensures all matters of dispute and disagreement are handled through established internal processes. “Unfortunately, Mr Mfolo acted independently without proper consultation or adherence to governance protocols. This action goes against the principles of good corporate governance and the integrity of the association,” said Kamati in a statement issued on Sunday morning. Mfolo had earlier accused Kamati of being misinformed by whispers from the corridors as the vice president’s conversation with one ‘Dindi’ did not communicate the position of the BFA in the fracas. In the letter of apology, Mfolo said they hope to find a way to fix the situation adding that they need to have a good working relationship as the association and the players to make the Zebras project a success.
As the two leaders squabble, SportMonitor is informed that tensions have been brewing inside the Lekidi Football Centre and the Zebras find themselves on the soiled ground. The factions in the football leadership are said to be using the national team for their ‘blame-game’. Despite the two lieutenants having taken their gloves off, the BFA president, Tariq Babitseng, is yet to comment on the matter. Babitseng was said to be working alongside other stakeholders to ensure that the players’ allowances are paid yesterday, on the eve of the Somalia game.
