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BFA may head hunt new tech. director

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) boardroom is suffused in commotion and confusion, as the uphill battle to identify a new technical director continues.


Information reaching WeekendSport suggests that the association is seriously considering nullifying the current applications and calling for fresh ones since none of the three shortlisted candidates completely satisfied the adjudicators. According to sources, the trio was shortlisted and interviewed last week, but the dilemma is that, one of them met the requirement, but failed the interview while the other two passed the interview and did not meet the requirement.


The advert of the technical director among others, needed that the applicant possess at least a minimum of A license coaching certificate. It was floated in some of the local newspapers at the close of last year. The technical director is expected to work hand in hand with football coaches appointed by the association.  But as things stand, the association is finding itself struggling to fill the post while another issue of Zebras head coach is looming.


Two other men who have nailed the interview do not have the required coaching certificate, it is said. When adjudicators were asked, they mentioned that it is for the first time since the existence of the association that a technical director with highly qualified credentials is needed. As things stand, the association is contemplating to nullify the applications and either re- advertise or engage on a head hunting exercise.


The position of technical director is held by Benny Kgomela whose contract expires at the end of February 2017. The flames surrounding the technical wing of the association come far. The new regime is however expected to dowse and normalize the situation. It is widely reported that when Kgomela was employed back in 2014, he was not among the short listed individuals. The then Vice President of the association, Ernest Nthobelang in the technical arm, expressed discontent and shock when Kgomela was employed. He was to be expelled as Sebego regime was divided by internal fighting.


The rout continued between the fallen BFA technical education officer, Philemon Makhwengwe and the same Kgomela. It was reported that Makhwengwe complained bitterly that Kgomela cannot be his boss because he was not qualified for the job. Following the animosity, both employees were suspended.


When reached for clarity, BFA mouth piece, Tumo Mpatane, said the association has completed the recruitment drive, but will not publicly mention names of the interviewees.  ‘The association is done with interviewing suitable candidate, we will not divulge the names of individuals to the media.’’  When further pressed about the looming confusion, the communication’s officer said, ‘‘it is not in the interest of the association to share internal procedures to the outside world.’’

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LETSILE OUTSHINES SIMBINE IN SEASON’S BEST PERFORMANCE

27th March 2024

He recorded 19.94 to winning 200m at ASA Grand Prix 3

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BFA slow-stepping efforts in Wilson’s quest for citizenship?

18th March 2024

A quarter of a year ago, Zebras’ strategist, Didier Gomes Da Rosa, took a decisive step by enlisting midfielder Brandon Wilson, who flexes his soccer prowess at Ha Noi Football Club (FC) in Vietnam.

Yet, the 27-year-old sensation found himself benched before the game even started, due to his Australian nationality, despite his roots firmly planted in Gaborone, Botswana.

Fast forward to today, and Wilson’s name is still missing from the latest Zebras’ lineup for the forthcoming four-nation friendly extravaganza set to unfold in Madagascar.

Pundits from the local football arena argue that this tournament, starring The Zebras alongside Madagascar, Rwanda, and Burundi as hosts, presented a golden ticket for Wilson to unveil his skills, merge his playstyle with his teammates, and pass down his seasoned insights to the squad.

Looking ahead, The Zebras face a rugged path in their 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Group, battling titans like Algeria, Somalia, Guinea, and Uganda—teams studded with Europe-based talents. Integrating Wilson into the team now would be nothing short of strategic.

Amidst this saga, a ray of hope shined through a High Court ruling, suggesting the Botswana government’s nod towards dual citizenship, potentially giving the BFA the nudge it needed to expedite Wilson’s case.

Yet, as 2023 unfurls, Minister of Labour and Home Affairs, Anna Mokgethi, hinted at a six-month timeline to legislating this change. “We’re laying down the legal and procedural groundwork to enable dual citizenship. This process will span at least six months.

This waiting game could be pegged to aligning with the court of appeal’s decision.

“This buffer is designed to ensure a seamless transition, enabling talents like Wilson to clinch their Botswana passports and don the Zebras jersey,”

On the V.League 1 Table (Vietnam) – 2023/24 front, Wilson’s squad, Ha Noi FC, is holding sixth place after 13 showdowns, boasting 19 points—a commendable feat for their freshman year in Vietnam’s Elite League.

Since his leap to Ha Noi FC on September 5, 2023, Wilson has left his mark on 15 matches across domestic and AFC Champions League arenas, an impressive feat for his inaugural season.

In a recent WeekendSport dialogue, Da Rosa sung praises of Wilson’s gameplay. “Wilson’s mastery of the field, his spatial awareness, and ball reception, earmark him as a midfield marvel. His strategic positioning is a lesson in discipline, a skill set our team can greatly benefit from.

“He’s a crucial cog in our quest toward the 2026 World Cup dream,” Da Rosa said.

 

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Kemoeng’s departure opens doors for School sports – BOSETU

18th March 2024

The departure of Kitso Kemoeng from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture has been met with a sigh of relief by many, particularly by the Botswana Sectors of Educators Trade Union (BOSETU). Kemoeng’s tenure as Permanent Secretary was marked by a lack of progress and engagement on the issue of reinstating school sports, which has been a crucial aspect of child development in Botswana.

BOSETU had accused Kemoeng of being a stumbling block to the resuscitation of school sports, citing his arrogant and anti-engagement attitude towards the issue. His transfer to the Botswana Public Service College has been seen as a positive development by the union, as it signals a clear message that non-delivery and lack of vision will not be tolerated within the government.

The union has expressed confidence in the new Permanent Secretary, Bright John, who is expected to bring a fresh perspective and understanding of the importance of sports and culture in the holistic development of children. The absence of school sports in Botswana has had a detrimental impact on the youth and the development of sports in the country, and it is imperative that immediate action is taken to reinstate these programs.

According to BOSETU the departure of Kemoeng from the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture is a step in the right direction towards reviving school sports in Botswana. The union and other stakeholders are hopeful that under the leadership of Bright John, progress will be made in ensuring the well-being and development of the youth through sports. It is time to breathe a sign of relief and look forward to a brighter future for school sports in Botswana.

 

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