Tebogo Sebego and the battle for the soul of BFA
Sport
When President Tebogo Sebego came to the structures of the football association roughly 12 years ago, it was never clear that he will one day yearn for football power and strive to control the game in a similar fashion deployed by long time bogus leaders of FIFA and CAF, MOSIMANEGAPE TSHOSWANE writes
It was a sudden depth of the sport life blended with a football conspiracy that was marked by a full four year reign of basking in the local acclaim of his success and failures that helped in molding both a new and unrecognizable BFA house. Observers put it that Sebego gained popularity at the time everyone close to the game was fed up with former president David Fani‘s style of leadership. He, therefore, seized the opportunity and campaigned vigorously under the ‘friends of football’ banner to white wash Fani whose camp was crippled from every angle in the cold July of 2012.
Sebego, a lawyer by profession won country wide adoration and his ascendency to the BFA plum post hung on a two-fold victory mood. First, his flambouyance and charm convinced doubting Thomases he was the right man to refresh the then decaying association, and secondly, he master minded the fall of a man who had the backing of football god fathers.
Prior to the 2012 election, It was an open secret that David Fani was handpicked by Ishmael Bhamjee as a way of protecting and extending his BFA legacy while he needed to go up in FIFA positions. Observers point out that in 2000 when Fani took the baton, it became rather clear that he was a ‘feed boy’ of both Bhamjee and Ashford Mamelodi. True to their closeness, the umbilical cord remained intact that Fani finally won a position within CAF in 2011.
With Sebego, it is however, unknown whether he would like the next president to be a candidate who carries his blessing so as to preserve his legacy. But for now, he still prefers his.
Sebego and his energetic troops upon resuming office promised to clean Lekidi football center. Their hopes of taking the association to a reform phase were high as a kite. However, during his first two years (2012-2014), Sebego and his mentors’ hopes began dashing.
In the second year of his presidency, the mood within BFA began to shift as the team was hit with a back lash for taking decisions without consultation. When the matter first cropped up, Sebego gave it an eye wash and it gradually ballooned up when friends of football god fathers split over his resolve to transform the game.
Under his leadership, the association toiled to appoint British born Keith Masters as the Chief Executive Officer. But that was after a raging fire scorched across his National Executive Committee (NEC) over his decision to elevate one Tariq Babitseng to the position of CEO. Observers were convinced that it was a simple way of thanking him for forcefully canvassing massive support for him to dethrone David Fani.
The appointment of Tariq- whose contradictory attributes excite and irk the football fraternity in equal measure- was always with controversy and of course ruffled a few feathers.
But what raised eye brows and continued to draw burning criticism was the arrival of the ageing Keith Masters as the head of secretariat. His voice was never audible in the stubborn NEC, His leadership style was questionable and his admiration of power never influenced anybody until his sacking early last year.
To demonstrate his ambition for power, Sebego also acknowledged one Ernest Nthobelang to create a position of Chief Operation Officer. But when the team’s ship cruised, everything else revolved around Sebego and when the ship finally hit an iceberg, all hell broke loose.
The foot soldiers who were instrumental in bringing Sebego into power all attracted controversy. Nthobelang, who held the fort in BFA technical wing, was expelled for reading a different script when the team needed to thrive when dark clouds were gathering.
That Sebego‘s silent diplomacy is his best ingredient is purely not in doubt. He remained quiet as factions within the association burned. Bruising affairs within the association were seen all over, spilling all the way down to the secretariat.
Sebego and his feed boy Tariq Babitseng‘s relationship hit the rocks once, but when the post of Vice President- Administration emerged, they teamed again. This was after one Segolame Ramotlhwa, (who was earmarked for the presidency before Sebego) broke affiliation with friends of football and challenged Tariq to the position. In- fact, this was the beginning of the regime’s factions.
In Ramotlhwa’s eye, Babitseng should have not campaigned because he was accused of having his fingers all over the till while holding the post of CEO. For the first time, the two members from the same regime stood against each other and it was not surprising that Babitseng strolled to victory while Ramotlhwa was left licking his wounds. “My history should not determine my destination, what happened while I held the post of CEO should be water under the bridge,’’ Babitseng had said after the victory.
All the while, Sebego’s support got dented and later diminished as his backers literally betrayed him. However, he knew his term was far from ending, but because he had unknowingly rooted out some of his troops, it was almost impossible for him to save the BFA ship from sinking under his watch. He became a turncoat when he somersaulted on his decision not to stand for CAF committees.
He found himself having to deal with difficult questions when his fire-brand Babitseng was again- accused of office abuse and mal-administration. When Babitseng was finally labeled the black sheep of BFA, Sebego too, took the bullet. He found himself caught between a rock and a hard place when the time came to sack him. Friends of football hit rock bottom.
Sebego’s heart bled profusely but he remained steadfast in his mission to battle and capture the soul of the association, much to the amusement of those who were by his side.
But it proved to take a toll on his attempts.
A new mood of militancy swept across his NEC again when he battled to submit a bid to co-host AFCON 2017 with Zimbabwe. He had to answer more piercing questions mainly for surrounding himself with Babitseng while Masters was used as pawn in a tactful chess game. The attempt to co-host was finally shot down and at the time, the president and his legal advisor, Doctor Pusoentse were two worlds apart.
The infighting heightened. The Briton CEO was soon in the eye of the storm until he fell from BFA’s radar. Observers had highlighted that the CEO was Sebego’s moral voice, and his fall from grace would eventually cripple the president’s support within the NEC. At that time, Tariq was nowhere to be seen while the arrival of a new broom, Marshlow Motlogelwa was seen to be the beginning of a reform process. Motlogelwa, who came to the NEC under the Vice President-finance and marketing ticket, received unending showers particularly that he is believed to have master minded the fall of Sebego’s blue eyed boy- Tariq Babitseng.
As Sebego’s house endured a dizzying fall from grace, the time to recruit a new CEO arrived. Three names were submitted, and reports suggested that the president wanted to opt for more names insisting that the three front runners were not the right cut for the job. Of the three names, former BNSC boss Kitso Kemoeng was attractive.
His lieutenants, Marshlow Motlogelwa and Stephen Phetlhe-Vice President technical convinced him to settle for Kemoeng while he frowned upon the decision, he later embraced him when he got the position.
In essence, the newly recruited CEO was soon to fill Babitseng’s space in molding the ailing association. Together they became the heart-beat of the NEC. But soon, just as they were enjoying their new working relationship, the monster of consultation reared its head. The file and rank members of NEC who had a fall out with him grilled him for treating Kemoeng with kids’ gloves. Many of them felt Sebego had temporarily found comfort within Kemoeng‘s shrewd way of leadership.
The members regrouped and were about to send Kemoeng packing until a “technical error” saved him the job. He was initially given a three months probation but somehow it later turned out that it was a six months trial out. “As far as I am concerned, I am contracted to BFA and that issue is not relevant,’’ Kemoeng had pointed out at the time.
That Kemoeng would soon become Sebego’s shield was not in doubt. The former sports council boss began a restructuring exercise that left people bruised. While appointment of new faces and uninformed expulsion of old BFA cadres tormented the association, Sebego saw it all as unfinished business.
Observers say that he is seeking another term mainly to solidify his power at CAF. Whether he still remembers the promises uttered under Friends of Football manifesto are open to debate is unknown. One promise was to save the game from going to the dogs. As to why the objective of finding FA cup is not yet achieved after four long hard years might be a football terrain hard to maneuver. “I am working to improve the game, those who see my track record will talk positive, and those who do not see it will say otherwise,’’ Sebego professed.
The road to 2016 elections is still under construction. A couple of foot-soldiers-drawing inspiration from Friends of Football gurus-want to take him head on. Of the few names penciled out is Ramotlhwa’s who sees this as a perfect opportunity tackle a man who he worked with in crafting todays’ BFA constitution.
It will prove to be a titanic battle for football power. Fresh reports suggest that Sebego has once again turned to Babitseng to defend the regime.
Sport
Ex GU official alleges racial politics
There is a possibility of discomfort within the Gaborone United technical team following a squabble between former team manager Owe Mmolawa and Peter Butler who is Director of Football over allegations of racial discrimination.
The duo is reported to have had a fall out last month on the flight from Madagascar after Gaborone United sealed a 3-1 win against Elgeco Plus to set a clash with Dstv premiership side, Supersport United in the second round of the preliminary stages of CAF Confederation Cup.
However, WeekendSport was reliably informed that the management of the club swiftly redeployed Mmolawa to become ladies team manager, a position which he rejected and ultimately resigned from the club on the 31st August. Sources claim that the relationship between Butler and Mmolawa had broken down irreparably.
According to the highly placed sources, since the arrival of the British coach at Moyagoleele, Mmolawa was sidelined and it is alleged that Butler started to give him (Mmolawa) an attitude. Others speculate that the master plan is get rid of Coach Pontsho Moloi so that Butler gets the head coach post.
According to a letter seen by this publication – Mmolawa wrote to the Regional Immigration Selection board on the 5th September contesting or seeking an interdict on awarding a substantive residential and work permit to Mr. Peter Butler.
According to the former Gaborone United team manager, “As per the Immigration Act, in particular, Section 19, Clause 4(a), the character of Mr. Butler lacks the rudimentary qualification on the basis of racial discrimination allegations levelled against him. The allegations have been reported to the continental football mother body (CAF) for investigation and determination thereof. The complaint has been lodged by me.”
Mmolawa further said although Butler who is employed as Director of Football of which the qualification requirements for the job include amongst others possession of a CAF A coaching certificate – there is a plethora of local who holds the same qualification.
The fundamental uptake of foreign nationals for employment is that it should be on account of scarce skills or justification for the same.
He therefore said he contended strongly that the application for work permit be declined for Mr. Butler as there are many Batswana who have graduated with CAF A coaching certificate and fit enough to be considered for employment.
“Awarding work and residential permits to Mr. Butler on the basis of this job would be a fatal blow to the efforts of Botswana government in empowering its own citizens, in my solemn view. I raise that Mr.
Butler is prone and has a history of attacking the sovereignty of Botswana as evidenced by his spell away from the country when the football fraternity encountered governance changes. It would be tantamount to fiddling whilst Rome burns to look the away when a man of this character that lacks patriotic fabric seeks employment in Botswana,” reads part of the letter addressed to Secretary of regional Immigration Selection Board.
When reached for a comment relating to racial discrimination levelled by Owe Mmolawa to Mr. Butler, Gaborone United Marketing Manager Herbert Letsebe said as the club they currently don’t have any case bordering on racial discrimination. He said they have only seen social media posts by Owe Mmolawa.
“We as the club do not condone racial discrimination and if we record such case, serious action shall be taken for the offence,” he added.
Letsebe further said allegations between Owe Mmolawa and Butler could be personal hence it’s between the duo. He however confirmed that there was some altercation between the two, when the team was travelling from Madagascar to Botswana.
Sport
Galaxy won’t say Uncle to Pirates
Botswana Premier League champions, Jwaneng Galaxy are intent on reaching first base after executing the ABC’s to safely jump into the next round of CAF Champions League, albeit narrowly. Galaxy managed to keep body and soul together in the first round of the Preliminaries defeating Ugandan champions, Vipers SC in a tightly contested two-legged affair which finished on 3-2 on aggregate.
Galaxy, who are like a little frog in a big pond in the CAF Champions League League Preliminary Second Round, will presumably be on the back foot when they meet a high-flying South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) side, Orlando Pirates. While the Soweto giants are seven games into the new season, the local topflight football is yet to start, and this raises concern on Galaxy’s mental strength and fitness when compared to their next opponent.
To demonstrate further imprudence from the local football authorities, a fresh statement from BFL this week suggested that this year’s campaign has been postponed to October 7th and clubs can only hope that the league does start. In silence, the decision has brought further consternation among clubs – with Galaxy and Gaborone United (GU) having the most reasons as to why their blood is boiling – they are currently competing in the CAF competitions.
Lesagaripa la Dinaledi, as Galaxy are affectionately known to their fans started the CAF Champions League Preliminaries like a house on fire as they hammered Vipers SC 2-0, courtesy of the ever-reliable Thabang Sesinyi ensuring his team get a two-goal advantage on home soil. However, in the return fixture in Uganda as they were defeated 2-1, but the scoreline was not enough to overhaul their advantage.
But now, Galaxy will meet its Waterloo before a possible appearance in the group stages of the CAF Champions League – Orlando Pirates.
Is Pirates beatable?
The Buccaneers made the long trip to the island of the Comoros to face Djabal FC. Jose Riveiro’s side were expected to blow their Comoros opponents away. However, the minnows put up an incredible performance against the Soweto giants, with Pirates scraping a win through a solitary goal.
In the second leg, The Buccaneers hammered Djabal FC 3-0 thus completing the fixture without conceding a goal. Will they finally ship in goals against the likes of Thabang Sesinyi and Omaatla Kebatho who are capable of causing an upset on their day? Galaxy will have to mind their P’s and Q’s against a team that has demonstrated that it can unlock even the most stubborn of defences. But if Galaxy avoids a Nervous Nellie approach, a neck and neck game is expected, anything else, Pirates will mop the floor with the local lads.
Pirates form has been scintillating despite starting their 2023/24 PSL season with a 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch. They regrouped and later redeemed themselves by beating Royal AM 4-2, followed by a 1-1 draw against Chippa United and a 2-0 victory against Cape Town City in the league. They currently occupy the fourth spot on the log.
However, Galaxy mentor is on pins and needles over the Pirates encounter. Responding to WeekendSport, Morena Ramoreboli said they have learned a lot from the Vipers game as preparations proved to key.
“When you win a home match by two goals to nil, decisions might go against you. Henceforth, it is important to try and introduce players that can give you energy in the first-half and avoid exposing certain areas of the field to ensure that you do not concede many goals,” he said.
According to Ramoreboli, patience is required when one is defending and mental strength is needed.
Galaxy intend to pitch a curve for Pirates, “When you manage the game well, you end up winning it, but mental strength is one area that’s need to be addressed if we are to go further in the tournament,” he said. Ramoreboli further pointed that their upcoming encounter against Pirates will be similar to when they played against Vipers.
“Vipers are the Champions of Uganda and Pirates by virtue of finishing second in the past season, they qualify for the African competition. In addition, we are the Champions of Botswana, hence, we are going to put up a big fight to ensure that we emerge victorious. Furthermore, as much as they are doing well, we are also doing well, hence why we are meeting them in the Second Round, without being arrogant, I think it is a match that both teams can win,” pointed Ramoreboli.
Galaxy gaffer further reminded football faithful to respect Botswana football. “It is high-time the continent start respecting Botswana football, they should start understanding that there is a country in Southern African Development Committee (SADC) Region called Botswana which its football standard is growing rapidly,” he said.
Quizzed about whether being a South African could be an advantage for Galaxy, he said; “It is fortunate that we have the luxury of watching Pirates play each week while on their part it is going to be difficult for them to thoroughly study our play; thus that could be a turning point to us. In addition, the little that information I have with regard to South African football, I share it with the technical team so that we come up with strategies to win the match,” he said. Ramoreboli is of the view that Pirates is on tenterhooks because they do not know the Galaxy style of play.
Meanwhile, GU will also face a South African side, Supersport United, in a blockbuster CAF Champions League encounter which promises to be a thriller.
All the first-leg of the two matches will be played on the 16th and 17th respectively at National Stadium.
Come dee day, Galaxy is confident that Pirates will not scare them out their wits hence they won’t give in and say Uncle to Orlando Pirates!
Sport
What about field events and jumps athletes?
Tapping into different sporting codes such as jumps (long jump, high jumps and triple) and field events (Discus, shot put, javelin and pole vault) is ideal for any country as it put them in better chance to rake more medals at various international competition such as the just ended World Championships which were held in Budapest, Hungary.
In the closer proximity, for a few years field events and jumps athletes have been struggling to qualify for international competitions, which prompt a question as to how far is Botswana with regards to the growth of jumps and field events.
A great example would be at the recently ended World Champs, Burkina Faso’s Hugues Fabrice Zango made history by winning his nation’s first-ever gold medal at the World Athletics Championships with victory in the triple jump.
The 30-year-old jumped 17.64 metres in his fifth attempt to see the competition in Budapest, Hungary.
In addition, as much as focus and hope was being put on few local runners, Letsile Tebogo who bagged a silver medal in his 100m and a bronze in a tightly contested 200m, the same could not be said by the trio, Leungo Scotch, Collen Kebinatshipi and Bayapo Ndori whom their hopes of amassing medals blurred as the competition progressed.
Scotch and Kebinatshipi finished eighth and nineth in their respective heats to crush out of World Champs semi-finals while Ndori pulled out of the race just after 25m from the start, which meant that the country’s opportunity to get more medals reduced.
Historically, The country achieved its first gold medal, in the men’s high jump, in 2003.
Furthermore, high jumpers such as Kabelo Kgosiemang can be remembered as he rose to the occasion.
Kgosiemang broke the ground record with his jump of 2.27 metres (7 ft 5 in) in 2007, while his second gold medal came some 12 years later in 2015.
Nonetheless, where was the continuity as it seemed like there was light at the end of the tunnel?
For his part, Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) Vice-President (responsible for) Technical, Kenneth Kikwe said Botswana’s strengths in field events and jumps has downgraded over the years.
“We have realized that our strengths in field events and jumps have downgraded and it is something that we are tirelessly working around to improve.
Furthermore, the biggest factor is that we do not have coaches who are professionally trained to induct aspirant field events and jumps athletes.
However, we currently have a former high jumper, Kgosiemang who is helping in that regard but we are contemplating to equip him with the right qualifications for the job,” he said.
Kikwe further revealed that they haven’t been able to bring international coaches who could upskill our field events and jump athletes like in the past as having these particular athletes is vital to any country’s progress in sport.
“We used to have international coaches who helped us with developing field events and jumpers hence why we saw the likes of Kgosiemang and Gable Garenamotse who blossomed during their respective years.
Nevertheless – we plan to redeem ourselves by hosting workshops, and inducting coaches who can develop athletes for the greater good of the country,” Kikwe revealed.
On the other hand, Local Sport Pundit, Kagiso ‘Fox’ Phatsimo was quickly to point out some of the biggest problems faced by Botswana sport.
“The biggest problem we face when we produce these world beaters, their cases are few and far between as we do not have a formula to produce these individuals.
It always comes as a surprise. If we had a formula like it is always said that we have School of Excellence, there could be a route from primary, secondary and senior school with a development that is strategically placed with a proper coach to teach our kids track and field events.
Henceforth, feeding the national team with raw talent that is ready to take on the world, however, it has not been the case,” he said.
Phatsimo further added Botswana do not have a concise plan as how to nurture these world beaters.
“If we were able to produce ‘Letsile Tebogo’ how come we do not have others who as good as him or even on the ladies’ section that shines in individual events and ultimately become world beaters,” added Phatsimo.
He reiterated that it is about the country capacitate coaches at Junior and Senior schools because their credentials are below standard.
“We need to identify talent from grassroots hence it is vital to give incentives to highly qualified coaches so that they can focus on building this raw talent from an early stage in remote areas thus benefiting in future.
Furthermore, relevant stakeholders such as the government, teachers’ unions, Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) and its affiliates should convene and resolve the issue of school sports or its going take a while for us to produce stars such as Letsile Tebogo,” he reiterated.