VTM's bombshell a stark reminder

Mqondisi Dube | Tuesday July 2, 2024 09:34

here are many VTMs walking dead in almost all the divisions, a sad reminder of how unsustainable it is to run a professional club in Botswana. From the outside, VTM was the envy of some, even attracting former South African household names Sifiso Myeni and Roy Mahamutsa. But last week, VTM owner, Vincent Mafuta, dropped a bombshell that the club will cease to participate in professional structures. It is a decision only a few saw coming as local football digest the impact and implication of the withdrawal. As alluded, Mafuta was only brave enough to cut his losses early while others march on despite all odds. We have plenty of other VTMs putting on a brave face although it is apparent that running a football club is equivalent to diving into an unending pit of debt. The cost of running a club per season runs into millions and that needs sound financial backing. With money for your family's phaleche, you can't sustain a club. The 'demise' of VTM should spur football authorities into some soul-searching or introspection. What is the best model for local football? The Botswana Football League (BFL) and the Botswana Football Association (BFA) officials have travelled the world bench-marking.

However, it is clear that there has been no solution to the challenges that local football face. For now the benchmarking exercises have not brought the desired outcome. After-all, may be the solutions should be home grown as each location has its own perculiar challenges. There is need for deliberate efforts to create an enabling environment that will see clubs at least manage to complete the season without any hitches. Even if they do not make profits, at worst, they should break even. Otherwise the present situation will scare potential investors and hinder sports from playing a meaningful role in employment creation. Instead of the unnecessary self-serving bickering, these are the areas that the football leaders should channel their energy towards.

Today, it is VTM but tomorrow it might be Extension Gunners or any other club. It is apparent that most clubs are in the Intensive Care Unit, surviving on life support. This is hardly ideal as it means players and other stuff are not properly remunerated. It has the potential of a ripple effect as it can affect the quality of football. The end of VTM's road could be a blessing in disguise as it can serve to amplify the challenges that local clubs face. There is a need to develop a sustainable model for local clubs. Grants should be non-negotiable as they can prove to be the life-blood of the clubs. Yes, it is imperative for clubs to generate their own revenue, but we cannot claim to be blind to the realities on the ground. Just about everyone in business is struggling to stay afloat, yet more than a dozen clubs knock on the same doors looking for financial assistance.

On a sad note, Sport Lite pays its tribute to one of football's gallant sons, Matshidiso 'Sexton' Kowa, who went to sleep forever on Saturday. This should be a reminder that sports should appreciate its heroes and heroines while they are still alive. We are glad that he had been inducted into the Hall of Fame but more could still be done to honour such persons. You played your part, Kowa. Fare thee well!