Mosah Mokganedi
24 November 2008
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has appealed to the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) for help in dealing with the constituency league introduced recently by President Ian Khama. The BFA says that political interference is not allowed in football as per the rules of world soccer governing body, FIFA.
At the same time, the association says it cannot resist a directive from the President. This creates a dilemma and forces the BFA to run a competition, which is not in their structures.
Presenting their case at the BNSC Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) last week, the BFA chief executive officer, Tosh Kgotlele said though they know it was wrong to run the constituency league, they cannot resist the President's directive. He asked the BNSC to help them deal with the issue because it is wrong to mix sports with politics. "We have a mammoth task splease help us," he pleaded.
BNSC chairperson Daniel Tau said they needed bilateral engagement with BFA to discuss the issue. He said he understood the problem and they will do anything in their power to help. "I know it was not going to be easy to resist the President's directive and that at this point you risk earning FIFA's wrath," he said.
As in previous meetings, Tau could not give a convincing explanation how the recently introduced appearance fees for players will be administered. Gift Nkwe of Botswana Karate Association said that as it stands, the scheme will not benefit athletes. The scheme has been divided in categories and Nkwe feels karate has been placed in a low category.
Tau said the scheme is impacting badly on the sports budget since they are not allocated separate money for it. "We may have reservations about it but we do not have a choice," he said. He promised affiliates that they will continue to consult with government on the matter.
He appealed to affiliates to come up with suggestions so that they can approach government with a consolidated idea.
Speaking at the same event, the director of Sports and Recreation, Falcon Sedimo acknowledged that paying appearance fees to players is going to be a challenge and they will try their best.
He appealed to affiliates to come up with ideas on how the scheme can be implemented. Sedimo said the current budget cannot meet their needs.
Botswana Swimming Sport Association (BSSA) vice president, Ookeditse Malesu wanted to know when national teams camping allowance will be reviewed.
He said the cost of living has risen and the allowances need to be reviewed. In response, Tau said the advice was accepted but looking at the economic situation, he suspected that the allowance might be reduced than increased.
Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) president, Moses Bantsi complained about the recent relocation of sports offices from the National Stadium to Maruapula saying it has affected them badly. He said the phone lines have not been connected and they cannot communicate with their international partners.
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