Kemoeng, Serufho was a perfect match
Dennis Keagile | Friday April 25, 2014 11:18
When his name cropped up as a possible candidate for the chief executive officer of the Botswana African Youth Games Organising Committee (BAYGOC), I rejoiced although I preferred former BNOC chief executive officer, Kitso Kemoeng for his experience, maturity and exposure in the political minefield of sport. This was not to be, but I did not sulk. However, the icing on the cake came when Kemoeng was appointed chief operations officer.
I thought that the powers that be have taken a well-reasoned and logical decision to make ‘KK’ as Kemoeng is popularly known the COO of the games. His collaboration with the eager to learn, but still wet behind the ears Serufo would leave a lasting legacy.
As BNSC CEO, Kemoeng presided or overseen the preparations for the Africa Youth Games. Then fast forward to April, Kemoeng resigns under unclear circumstances. Was he a victim of bureaucratic red tape or what? Until somebody opens the lid, we will never know the behind the scenes ‘political fights’ or chicaneries that are going on.
In my opinion, much as the games have lost an experienced and mature person, I am of the view that the greatest victim or loser is Serufho. I strongly believe that from an operations perspective, he needed a well grounded person who can complement him and offer advice.
The chairperson of the games, the well-decorated Regina Sekalesele-Vaka has immense experience in the corporate world and should come in handy as far as sponsorship drive is concerned, but it is the operations section that need capable and experienced people.
Serufho has been keeping up a brave face trying to downplay some of the resignations, but he can only fool those with little knowledge of what is actually required. I still have hope though that he will not come out badly scratched. He needs to stamp his authority, but I think Sekalesele-Vaka ought to explain the earlier resignation of Solly Reikeletseng, the BNSC chairperson from the committee. Botswana has to give a credible performance not only in the competition, but in hosting. In fact, we will be more on the spotlight for the organisation in hosting the games more than anything else. For the good of the country, I had thought all will be in united both in spirit, purpose and conduct.
That said, as compared to the CAF Under-17 football tournament hosted by the Botswana in 1997, the publicity of the forthcoming games is below par yet this time we have more media houses than before. Besides, the games are much bigger than the 1997 soccer tournament. There seem to be no media personnel specifically assigned for the games.
The awareness countrywide is not satisfactory and some of the adverts are heavier on the English language unlike the ‘Basimane ba Kgwatlhe’ slogan of 1997. We need snippets of the former games from the previous hosts so that people can appreciate what is coming.
The publicity and communication section of the organising committee ought to inject more spice.
For Serufho and Sekalesele-Vaka, some housekeeping is needed especially when allegations are rife that certain things are not being done properly. Allegations that corporate governance seem to have taken a back seat is injurious to the office of the CEO and chairperson.
Yes the spin-offs from the games is that some people will benefit economically but let it be clean business dealings. The allegations surrounding procurement are alarming to say the least.
The Premier League race
The beauty of football is its unpredictability. Nothing is ever certain. I recall very well in 1990 when a condemned Nico United beat Mochudi Centre Chiefs 1-0 to hand over the league title to Gaborone United. By then, Majombolo were already destined for the First Division just as TAFIC is at the moment.
However, Nico put up a five star performance to send Chiefs tumbling, while TAFIC held GU to a goalless draw on the same day in Gaborone. Now we have Township Rollers, Chiefs, BDF XI and GU all having a chance to win the title. Never before has it happened that four games at a go will be closely watched as the champion could emerge from any one of them. It is touch and go we could see one of the greatest escapes in local football.
My sympathy goes to the referees who will be under scrutiny. I would therefore appeal to the Referees Association to ensure that match officials do not compromise their professional integrity.
The best they can do is to forget about the league log and just concentrate on what is happening on the pitch. In that way, they will not have much pressure.
But congratulations to FC Satmos and Orapa United for surviving relegation. It will be tougher next season and they need to prepare more. Good luck to all and may the best team win.