Why Babitsengs dismissal letter got lost
Sport
Highly placed sources at the home of football have brought it to the attention of this publication that trouble is brewing at the Botswana Football Association (BFA) owing to “blatant disregard for laid down procedures”.
The BFA appears to be keen on seizing powers reserved for other structures, despite having been repeatedly warned to desist from such. Just recently, the Industrial Court pronounced that the Association should refrain from disrespecting its own constitution when its President, Tebogo Sebego swore under oath that the Association had met to draw a resolution to suspend Premier League Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Bennett Mamelodi. This turned out not to be true as a meeting was never held.
That the BFA is currently experiencing a torrid time is not in doubt. The fight for the control of the BFA has reached its highest point with three centres of power having emerged ahead of the elective general assembly scheduled for end of this month.
The warring camps are on full swing trying to score political points. During the presidential debate which was held last weekend for the hotly contested position, incumbent Tebogo Sebego had indicated that his former vice president, Tariq Babitseng was unceremoniously sacked from the governing body through a politically motivated scheme.
“Sebego made sure that his right hand man is not officially sacked, so that he could make a comeback as he has done now,” said a source that is close to developments.
In July 2015, a private and confidential letter was prepared by BFA legal advisor, Onkagetse Pusoentsi to expel Babitseng from football activities. This was after the pencil slim football administrator had abused funds during a Zebras trip to Guinea Bissau to which he was Head of Delegation. During that time, Babitseng was Vice President- Administration.
‘‘As you are aware on or about the 2nd August 2014, you travelled with the Senior National Team to Guinea Bissau as Head of Delegation following which you were accused of mishandling the contingency funds which were entrusted to you,’’ the letter reads.
‘‘Some reports and recommendations were prepared by yourself and were submitted to the Botswana National Sports Council and all were rejected resulting in the BFA being forced to pay USD 7,712.43 to the BNSC being the shortfall. This lead to the resolution by the National Executive Committee to suspend you from your office and football activities pending the investigations and findings on the use or misuse of the contingency funds for that trip,’’ the letter continued.
It happened that a three man committee of independent capacities was appointed to investigate the issue which later guided the NEC to expel Babitseng. Before the official expulsion letter was written, Babitseng was called to explain his side of the story. It came to the fore that, Babitseng, who is known to be Sebego’s foot soldier, did not convince the independent committee and the repercussions pointed to serious misconduct in terms of code of conduct for officials.
The letter posits that the NEC met on the 7th of April where an agreement was reached that Tariq failed to properly handle BFA funds. On the 29th of April 2015, it was also agreed that Babitseng be approached to voluntarily relinquish his duties as VPA in the interest of football which had already been tarnished by the issue.
Reports point out that the letter in question, which Sebego was to sign never reached Babitseng. Those close to developments say instead, the president procrastinated. Other information gleaned from various sources indicate that NEC got divided in Babitseng’s matter such that members had to vote by show of hands for Babitseng to leave Lekidi football centre.
Sebego‘s sympathy for his ‘feed-boy’ was always conspicuous. There was no price for guessing how, when he said on national television-during the live presidential debate-that Babitseng’s hands were clean.
However, eyebrows have been raised. His speech of August 1, 2015 has now betrayed him.
‘‘Following the report of the committee, the NEC resolved that its findings against Mr Babitseng rendered him unsuitable for the position. The NEC found that he was in breach of the code of conduct for BFA officials. On the basis of the powers vested on it by the constitution. NEC resolved to relieve the VPA of his duties. The NEC shall co-opt the VPA in due course. Structures shall be notified accordingly,’’ Sebego said.
Basadi Akoonyatse later took the reins.
The ‘magic’ letter according to the source has also cost former BFA CEO’s personal assistant her job. Information turned up by this publication suggests that she was assigned to make sure that the letter firing Babitseng from his position is delivered, a duty she failed and led to her being shown the door.
Sport
Ditlhokwe must avoid smugness at Amakhosi
Kaizer Chiefs, one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs, has been facing a coaching crisis. In the midst of this turmoil, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, a local hard-tackling defender, has quickly become an integral member of the squad. However, despite his impressive performances, Ditlhokwe must avoid complacency and continue to work hard to secure his place in the star-studded team. TSHEPO KEHIMILE explores the potential impact of Chiefs’ frequent changes in coaching staff on Ditlhokwe and emphasize the need for him to maintain his high level of performance.
Ditlhokwe’s Rise to Prominence:
Ditlhokwe’s journey in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) began when he joined Supersport United on a three-year deal from Township Rollers. His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of the technical team, and he became a trusted member of the squad. In January 2023, he signed a five-year contract with Kaizer Chiefs, one of the biggest clubs in South African football. His performances during pre-season matches against Young African and Township Rollers showcased his potential and promised a bright future at Amakhosi.
The Acid Test:
As the season progressed, Ditlhokwe faced several challenges. His first test came against Chippa United, where he and his defensive partner, Given Msimango, managed to keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw. However, miscommunication between the defense and goalkeeper Riyaard Pieterse led to a 2-1 defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns. Despite this setback, Ditlhokwe and Msimango redeemed themselves in subsequent matches, guiding Chiefs to a 3-0 victory against TS Galaxy and a 2-0 win against Stellenbosch.
The Impact of Coaching Changes:
Chiefs’ frequent changes in coaching staff can potentially affect Ditlhokwe’s performance and place in the team. The departure of Coach Molefi Ntseki, who had shown faith in Ditlhokwe, raised questions about whether the new coach would retain him as a regular starter. The arrival of Cavin Johnson as the interim coach saw Ditlhokwe maintain his place in the starting lineup, but the team continued to struggle defensively, conceding goals in matches against Golden Arrows and Cape Town City.
The Need for Consistency:
Ditlhokwe’s consistent presence in the starting lineup is commendable, but he must not become complacent. As competition for accolades and starting positions intensifies, he needs to work even harder to improve the team’s defensive record. Chiefs’ recent signing of his former Supersport United teammate adds further competition for the starting berth, making it crucial for Ditlhokwe to maintain his high level of performance.
Conclusion:
Thatayaone Ditlhokwe’s journey at Kaizer Chiefs has been impressive, with his consistent performances earning him a regular place in the starting lineup. However, he must avoid complacency and continue to work hard to improve the team’s defensive record. The frequent changes in coaching staff at Chiefs add an element of uncertainty, making it essential for Ditlhokwe to prove himself to each new coach. By remaining focused and dedicated, Ditlhokwe can solidify his position in the team and contribute to the success of Amakhosi.
Sport
BOBA battles turbulences to prime Boxing
The Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) recently organized a successful Boxing National Championships, sponsored by Maun Quarries and Tau Grading, with a generous amount of P100,000. This financial support is a welcome development for the boxing fraternity, as it has been almost a decade since such a windfall was received. The championships showcased the incredible skills of boxers like Mmusi Tswiigi, who achieved a remarkable victory by Referee Stop Contest (RSC). However, despite this success, BOBA acknowledges the need to improve and participate in international competitions to increase the chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics.
National Championships Success:
The Boxing National Championships witnessed outstanding performances from various boxers. Mmusi Tswiigi’s victory by RSC highlighted his exceptional skills and determination. Other notable performers included Rajab Mahommed, Maxwell Sechi, Thabang Chakalisa, Kerapetse Segole, Joel Kgogobi, Botshelo Thomologo, Otsile Mogobye, Mompoloki Sebula, Kenaope Boifang, Solomon Motshwarakgole, Keamogetse Kenosi, and Tshephang Moilwa. These boxers demonstrated their talent and dedication, bringing pride to the nation.
The Road to the Olympics:
Despite the success at the National Championships, BOBA Secretary General, Taolo Tlouetsile, acknowledges that more needs to be done to secure a spot at the Paris Olympics. Tlouetsile emphasizes the importance of international exposure for local boxers to gauge their readiness for such competitions. He recognizes that the opponents in international competitions are more active and challenging, making it crucial for local boxers to participate in various international events.
Challenges Faced:
The local pugilists faced difficulties during the Paris 2024 Boxing Africa Qualifiers held in Senegal. Most of the boxers were eliminated in the preliminary rounds, with only Keamogetse Kenosi making it to the quarterfinals. The lack of preparation due to financial constraints hindered their performance. The absence of training camps and exposure to international competitions affected their readiness and ability to compete at the highest level.
Upcoming Qualifiers:
To secure a place at the Paris Olympics, local boxers must now focus on the upcoming qualification tournaments. The 1st World Qualification Tournament is scheduled to take place in Busto Arsizio, Italy, from 29 February to 12 March 2024, followed by the 2nd World Qualification Tournament in Bangkok, Thailand, from 23 May to 3 June 2024. These tournaments provide another opportunity for local boxers to showcase their skills and qualify for the Olympics.
The Way Forward:
BOBA National Team Coach, Thebe Setlalekgosi, acknowledges the talent of the boxers but highlights the financial constraints that have hindered their progress. Setlalekgosi emphasizes the need for proper training camps to prepare the team adequately. He expresses his disappointment at missing the International Boxing Association (IBA) Junior World Championships, which could have served as valuable preparation for future boxers. Setlalekgosi proposes a training camp from the first week of December until February to ensure the team is in top shape for the upcoming qualifiers.
The recent success of the Boxing National Championships sponsored by Maun Quarries and Tau Grading is a positive step for BOBA. However, the association recognizes the need for international exposure and participation to improve the chances of qualifying for the Paris Olympics. Financial constraints have been a significant challenge, affecting the preparation and performance of local boxers. With upcoming qualification tournaments, it is crucial for BOBA to prioritize training camps and international competitions to give their boxers the best chance at success. By addressing these challenges, BOBA can pave the way for a brighter future in boxing and bring glory to Botswana on the Olympic stage.
Sport
Mares 90 minutes WAFCON qualification
Crunch time has arrived for the Mares, the women’s senior national team of Botswana, as they face a crucial encounter against Kenya, also known as the Harambee Starlets.
This match will determine their qualification for the WAFCON 2024 tournament, and the fate of the Mares hangs in the balance. Under the guidance of their new coach, Alex Malete, the team carries a slight advantage with an away goal from the first leg.
Adding to their confidence, the Mares received a major boost with the inclusion of newly appointed Zebras head coach, Didier Gomes Da Rosa, in their technical team. Da Rosa’s appointment as the Director of Football for all national teams, including the women’s team, shows the commitment of the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to support the growth and development of women’s football in the country.
The history between these two teams is not extensive, with only two previous encounters. The last match took place in 2015 during the 2016 Olympic qualifiers. The Mares won the first leg 2-1 but lost the second leg 1-0, resulting in the Harambee Starlets advancing to the next round based on aggregate score.
Both teams have their sights set on making their second appearance in the WAFCON tournament. The Harambee Starlets made their debut in the 2016 edition held in Cameroon, and now they aim to secure their next appearance. Similarly, the Mares are eager to make their mark and showcase their progress since their last participation.
In the first leg of this crucial tie, the Mares faced early attacks from the home side but found their rhythm midway through the first half. Keitumetse Dithebe, an attacker from Gaborone United, broke the deadlock with a goal in the 37th minute. However, the Harambee Starlets quickly responded with a penalty kick just before halftime, leveling the score. The second half saw sustained attacks from the Kenyan side, but the Mares held firm at the back, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.
The Mares can rely on the experience and skill of players like Refilwe Tholakele and Sedilame Bosija, who recently won the CAF Women’s Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns. Tholakele, awarded the Golden Boot, played a pivotal role in her team’s historic triumph, scoring two goals in the final. Her success highlights the significance of her contribution to the Mares’ campaign.
As the Mares head into this crucial clash, they must draw on their collective strength and determination. The opportunity to qualify for WAFCON 2024 is within their grasp, and they must seize it. With the support of their coach, the inclusion of Da Rosa in the technical team, and the talent of their players, the Mares have the potential to rewrite their own history and make a lasting impact on women’s football in Botswana.