Sebego unfazed by BFL charges
Mqondisi Dube | Saturday June 15, 2024 09:40
Sebego, recently declared his interest to run for the BFA presidency but has expressed fears that there could be underhand tactics to bar him from contesting. In a press statement, BFL indicated that Sebego, suspended Masitaoka chairperson, Godfrey Ratlhaga and Matebele director, Lame Makache have been charged with misconduct 'for various misdemeanours.' 'Their matters will be heard by the BFL Disciplinary Committee from Tuesday to Thursday next week in Gaborone,' the statement reads. But Sebego is unmoved by the BFL's latest move. .'I am in a beetle run..I have very little time for a bunch of clowns,' Sebego said.
The build-up to the elections is already laced with tensions, with BFL internal fights adding fuel to the fire. Meanwhile, Nicolas Zakhem has said he will not contest for a position in the upcoming BFA elections. The BFA goes to the polls to elect a new executive committee and the BFL chairperson, Zakhem has been strongly linked with the first vice president post. Maokaneng Bontshetse is the current BFA first vice president and reports were that he will face competition from Zakhem. “I am a man of my word. I have no interest in any position at the BFA. I sense it is part of a negative campaign by whoever is opposing him (Bontshetse) for the VP1 position,” Zakhem said. “A lot of fake stories will come out (as we approach elections),” he added. There has been speculation that following a decision by the BFA to take away the BFL’s autonomy, Zakhem was eyeing a step up. “It is possible that Zakhem wants to be strategically positioned within the BFA NEC. Some say he wants to control the BFL if he secures the BFA first vice president role,” a source said. But Zakhem this week shot down the speculation saying he will not be part of the candidates list when the BFA heads to the polls on September 14.
The BFA Elections Committee chairperson, Moemedi Letina last week said candidates’ submissions were open until June 25. Thereafter a vetting process will commence, with the final list of contestants expected out on July 29. There has been no public confirmation of candidates, but incumbent BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti is expected to run for a third term. However, names for other positions have not been made public as covert campaigns gain traction. Meanwhile, a meeting of Premier League and First Division clubs last week called to discuss BFA’s decision on BFL’s autonomy, reportedly resolved to form a task force that will approach the mother body over the issue. It had been reported before the meeting that clubs would demand back their voting powers after the BFA stripped them of their independence due to consistent boardroom squabbles.
Previously, the Premier League and First Division clubs had 24 votes, but that was trimmed to just two after the BFA granted the BFL autonomy. But with the BFA rescinding its autonomy decision, some Premier League and First Division shareholders are reportedly pushing for the reinstatement of the 22 votes. They want to utilise the votes at the BFA General Assembly.