BFA rolls carpet for first hall-of-famers
Kabelo Boranabi | Saturday September 9, 2023 06:00
On the night, best performing players, coaches and administrators from the 2022-2023 season will be recognised. Speaking at the awards launch yesterday, the BFA awards’ head of organising committee, Alec Monyake said the initiative is to increase BFA's cash streams.
He said football has over the years battled to secure sponsorships and the awards ceremony is expected to help ease the burden as it intends to attract new sponsors and retain existing ones. Monyake said the initiative is meant to promote the spirit of competitiveness among the football stakeholders and a way to grow the local game.
“We should be clear that this are the first of its kind and one of the things we should know is that we are not going to leave anyone behind. For the first time in our history as BFA, we are going to induct the Hall of Fame of Botswana football for deserving individuals who have contributed immensely to our football structures,” Monyake told the media.
There are 14 award categories for the 2023 BFA Awards and categorised in individual and group accolades. The organisers, however, said there would be an addition of the Women’s Coach of the Year and the media awards.
There is an interesting battle for the Men’s Footballer of the Year. Zebras’ captain, Thatayaone Ditlhokwe will go toe-to-toe with Tumisang Orebonye, Gape Mohutsiwa, Mothusi Cooper, Kabelo Seakanyeng and Lebogang Ditsele. Mamelodi Sundowns’ Sedilame Bosija is nominated for the Women’s Footballer of the Year alongside Alone Moloi, Lone Gaofetoge, Mokgabo Thanda, Lesego Radiakanyo and Keitumetse Dithebe. League champions, Jwaneng Galaxy are in for the Men’s Team of the Year alongside, Gaborone United, TAFIC and Matebele.
The Reds’ Ladies team has been nominated for the Women’s Team of the Year with Double Action, Western Dynamites and Granada FC. Tickets for the award ceremony are selling at P500 for the standard ticket, the corporate ticket sells at P750 while the VIP seat costs P1,000. CAF president, Patrice Motsepe will grace the event as the guest of honour.
Full list of awards categories and nominations
Men’s Footballer of the Year Thatayaone Ditlhokwe, Tumisang Orebonye, Gape Mohutsiwa, Mothusi Cooper, Kabelo Seakanyeng, Lebogang Ditsele
Women’s Footballer of the Year Sedilame Bosija, Laone Moloi, Lone Gaofetoge, Mokgabo Thanda, Lesego Radiakanyo, Keitumetse Dithebe
Coach of the Year Pontsho Moloi, Morena Ramoreboli, Seemo Mpatane, Mandla Mpofu
Men’s Referee of the Year Keabetswe Dintwa, Solomon Toitoi, Thabang Ketshabile
Women’s Referee of the Year Seonyatseng Tshephe, Salome Outule, Tetlanyo Sera
Men’ Assistant Referee of the Year Gaselame Molefe, Luck Kegakologetswe, Seikokotlelo Lesole
Women’ Assistant Referee of the Year Leungo Tsogang, Botsalo Mosimanewatlala, Dorcas Chenset
Men’s Team of the Year Matebele FC, TAFIC, Gaborone United, Jwaneng Galaxy
Women’s Team of the Year Double Action, Gaborone United, Western Dynamite, Granada FC
Best Region in Administration and Good Governance Tsabong, Kweneng, South East, Chobe, Central South
Best Region in League Development Nhabe, Francistown, South East, Hukuntsi, Gaborone City
Best Region in Women Football Southern, Selebi-Phikwe, Nhabe, Kgatleng, Gaborone City Best Region in Youth Football Nhabe, Selebi-Phikwe, Gaborone City, Francistown, Central South
President’s Award *No nominees