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World Cup 2026

Of late it is reported that, the world governing body, FIFA is considering changing the current format of the World Cup tournament. Should the proposed format be adopted by FIFA next year, the participating teams will increase from 32 to 48 with CAF set to get nine (9) representatives in the next edition instead of the current five (5). 

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According to reports, at the 2026 World Cup, slated for the USA, Canada and Mexico, the number of matches will increase from 64 to 80; or even 104 depending on the format that FIFA chooses to adopt. The proposed format which is yet to be adopted by FIFA, 48 teams will be divided into 16 groups of 3, with each team playing 2 matches and the top 2 teams from each group will advance to the round of 32.

Furthermore, the new format will see North America (CONCACAF) get six spots, an increase from three, South America commonly known as (CONCACAF) will be represented by six teams; while Europe will have 16 representatives compared to the current 13. On the other hand, Asia Football Confederation is set to get eight slots whereas Oceania is assured of at least one representative.

Oceania is by the far the weakest among the FIFA confederations with the majority of players being semi-professionals. It is also proposed that the two remaining slots will come out of a playoff between the five continental federations (except for UEFA) and one for the host nations.

Nevertheless, the other proposed format is to split the tournament into two 24-team mini tournaments, with 6 groups of 4 teams in each mini tournament to create a knockout stage of 16. The winners of each mini tournament will then meet to determine the World Cup champion.

Both proposed formats will increase the number of matches from 80 under the “Group of 3” model to 104. According to international reports, the increase in matches will not be an issue for 2026 World Cup tournament organizers, as there are 16 venues set to host the matches.

African teams at 2022 Qatar World Cup

Morocco’s heroic performance which saw them become the first Arab and African team to ever reach the tournament’s semi-final stage before suffering a defeat to the 2018 World cup champions France will forever be in the history books.

The Atlas Lions as they are commonly known, before they cruised into the semi- final -crushed the Star studded Belgium in the group stages. To demonstrate their resolve, Morocco, which is under the guidance of an African coach Walid Regragui eliminated the 2010 champions Spain following a historic 3-0 penalty shootout after both sides played failed to score in 120 minutes.

The Atlas of Lions reached new heights after causing the biggest shock when they eliminated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal after a 1-0 victory. Before their defeat to France this past Wednesday, Morocco had conceded just one goal in seven games and that was an own goal against Canada in the final group game.

Since Egypt’s participation in the 1934 World Cup, 13 different African nations have taken part in the biggest tournament in football and thus far South Africa is the only nation in Africa or SADC region to ever host the world’s most prestigious tournament.

SENEGAL REACHED LAST 16

Despite losing their star man Sadio Mane, Senegal started the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to the Netherlands in their opening fixture but they bounced back and made it to the round 16 before suffering a humiliating 3-0 defeat to England.

TUNISIA, GHANA AND CAMEROON FAILED TO REACH LAST 16

Tunisia faced a tough ask in Group D, and despite holding Denmark to a 0-0 draw, they followed that up with a 1-0 loss against Australia and an impressive 1-0 win over holders France, but that wasn’t enough to see them through.

Ghana and Cameroon both failed to reach the Round of 16 after finishing fourth and third in their groups respectively. Furthermore Cameroon’s highlight of the tournament ultimately came when they defeated title favorites Brazil 1-0 in their last match.

The 48 spots will be distributed thus:

16 for UEFA

9  for CAF

8  for Asian Football Confederation

6  for CONCACAF

6  for CONMEBOL

1  for Oceania

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Sport

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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Sport

Will Makhwengwe’s exit halt Tafic’s remarkable streak?

24th February 2024

The abrupt severance of ties between Tafic Football Club and its erstwhile commander-in-chief, Philemon Makhwengwe, colloquially celebrated as the “Spin Doctor”, has sent ripples through the football aficionado community, given his laudable stewardship in the 2023/24 Botswana Premier League (BPL) crusade. The narrative of Matjimenyenga, as Tafic is affectionately dubbed, narrates a saga of resilience, having faced the ignominy of relegation to the Debswana First Division North on two occasions prior.

The chronicle of their fall from grace in 2018, settling at a dismal 14th place with a record marred by more losses than victories, delineates a club in dire need of strategic revival. Fast-forward to the present campaign, and the transformation under Makhwengwe’s aegis has been nothing short of remarkable. At the cessation of 16 rounds, Tafic perched at the fifth position with 24 points is a testament to an emboldened renaissance.

However, the plot thickened on the 20th of February, 2024, as Tafic pronounced the departure of Makhwengwe from his coaching pedestal via a Facebook communiqué, a move that bewildered the football-watching public. Discrepancies surfaced, with reports attributing his departure to discord with the club’s upper echelons over proposed adjustments within the technical team, painting a picture of internal discord.

Makhwengwe, a tactician revered for his prowess in architecting footballing triumphs, has been instrumental in Tafic’s ascent from the quagmire of league standings to a commendable sixth position. This leaves the footballing realm in suspense over Tafic’s trajectory post-Makhwengwe, especially after their recent conquest over Gaborone United, thrusting them into a formidable league position.

Amidst this backdrop of controversy, where Makhwengwe’s own assertions conflict with the official narrative – oscillating between resignation and dismissal – the saga unfolds with layers of intrigue. The spectacle calls into question the capacity of Tafic to sustain their impressive run. The precedence set by Cote D’Ivoire’s astonishing turnaround at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a managerial upheaval offers a glimmer of unpredictability inherent in football, though juxtaposing club football dynamics with international fixtures holds its own set of complexities.

As Tafic grapples with the loss of one of Botswana’s most esteemed coaching figures, the overarching question looms: How will this episode influence their fortunes as the season wades into its critical junctures? With the BPL already witnessing a carousel of coaching departures, Tafic’s saga adds a compelling chapter to the unfolding narrative of a league characterized by flux and fervor. The departure of Makhwengwe not only marks a pivotal moment for Tafic but underscores the perennial dance between stability and upheaval in the quest for footballing glory.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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