The expectation is that Mbatha will wave his magic wand and chart a new path for the BFL. Contrary to overwhelming criticism, the BFL has not been as bad as it has been made to appear. Retaining sponsors was going to be a tall order post COVID-19, and the fact that the league has run almost seamlessly this season, is reason for optimism. It’s all not gloom and doom with news that a new sponsor, Absa Bank, will be unveiled this week. It depends on how you view the BFL glass; for pessimists, its half empty while for optimists, it is definitely half full. It will not be wide off the mark to opine that local football’s problems emanate from a very toxic environment that has bred an unending flow of pettiness. Marking the man and not the ball has become the hallmark of local football politics. Everything is viewed from a point of supposedly existing aisles. It has not been helpful that almost everything and anything football has been politicised.
This is the kind of atmosphere that the new CEO will fly into. He will find mistrust, unhealthy relationships and loads of gas lighting. He will arrive into an environment where the board is frequently at variance, with the recent turn of events highlighting the inevitable breakdown. Like King Midas, Mbatha will be expected to provide the golden touch, but that’s easier said than done. No chief executive will succeed until the toxic working environment is eliminated. How to remove the toxicity is not a module taught at university, and it will take some digging deep for Mbatha, or any other CEO to succeed for that matter.
The toxic environment is deeply ingrained and it’s now a permanent stain. Even before Mbatha arrives, there are those that are busy sharpening their daggers, ready for combat. In most cases, the fights are petty and unprogressive. This has resulted in a massive drawback for football. While elections contribute to democratic governance, they have often popped up to be the party spoilers for football. Eyes are already on the big prize in 2024 when the Botswana Football Association goes to the polls. Alignments and realignments, some detrimental, are already underway. The ultimate is to win at whatever cost. People and some decisions are not scrutinised on merit, but on which side of the aisle they come from. It’s all for political expediency. Granted, it will not be easy to wake up in the morning and wash away the stubborn stain that is pettiness. It will persist for the foreseeable future and football will be the one sacrificed at the altar.
Welcome Mbatha, but you will need more than your credentials to succeed in Botswana football. Actually, your credentials might count for nothing, and thankfully, you are on a short-term contract. Otherwise keep your bags packed and that JHB return ticket in your hand.
