Maligned football hits new highs

Mqondisi Dube | Monday November 27, 2023 16:00

Despite a toxic environment, Botswana football fans are witnessing some historic moments, which bodes well for the growth of the local game. From only a population of 2.6million, Botswana has forced its way into football discussion tables across the continent.

Tholakele recently finished as the top goal scorer in the women’s CAF Champions League. She added that to her winner’s medal, together with goalkeeper, Boseja. It was a first for the country. Last week Tuesday, the Zebras rolled back the hands of time with some valiant display to record a historic win over Guinea.

On Saturday night, Jwaneng Galaxy, now dining at the top table with the continent's finest clubs, floored Wydad of Morocco. The feat was not achieved within familiar territory, but deep in the heart of enemy half in Casablanca. What a sweet feeling! If you still think Galaxy’s achievement falls under the fluke category, ask Orlando Pirates, one of South Africa’s glamour clubs or take a visit to Simba in Tanzania. They both have a similar story to tell. Added to the recent shining moments, Tumisang Orebonye is a double continental title winner in Algeria, while one of the biggest football brands on the continent, Kaizer Chiefs’ defence is marshalled by Thatayaone Ditlhokwe a native of Gulubane, a village on the north eastern tip of the country.

The Botswana Premier League, despite failing to attract sponsorship, continues to draw talent from within the region and the overall product is not as bad as it is made out to be. All these moments are sprouting amid a toxic environment threatening to rapture progress. Generally, elections contribute to democratic governance in any given set-up. The will of the majority and the people, must be respected, so goes the over-played mantra. But in football, elections have wreaked havoc since time immemorial.

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) polls are particularly disruptive, and almost all the football problems are an off spring of a process that is supposedly the 'be all and end all'. Next year, the BFA will elect a new leadership and wheels of hate, spite, vengeance are already in full motion as people position themselves for the best spot in the feeding trough. In some instances, we have people with genuine interest to take the game up a notch, but in most, sadly the focus is on usurping power, fame and ill-gotten wealth.

Yes, there is money in football, just disregard this notion of ‘I am merely volunteering.’ Why do you think they want to literally murder each other if there was no incentive. Don’t get me wrong, some are in it genuinely for the game, but there are some who have nefarious agendas.