GU was left seething after the stadium was booked for a church service, while the club wanted to use the facility for the continental match against DRC side, AS Vita.
The club’s director, Nicholas Zakhem said other activities should not take precedence over sports. He was subjected to criticism from some quarters. The BFA meanwhile said its role in the matter is limited.
“Nothing much to say because ordinarily we do not know about the Champions League and Confederations Cup dates when we send activity dates to BNSC unless we get the dates from CAF prior to us sending activity dates to BNSC,” BFA chief executive, Mfolo Mfolo told Mmegi Sport yesterday.
“The role of BFA is to be a link between CAF and the participating team and to a larger extent be a link between the participating team and government (BNSC) in this case,” he added.
He concurs the solution is for clubs to own their facilities but admits affordability is an issue. No local club owns a stadium although Zakhem revealed plans to construct a facility in Bokaa. Sayed Jamali owns the Royal Aria Stadium in Tlokweng. “Infrastructure is a component under club licensing, but the issue is how many clubs can afford to own stadia,” Mfolo said.
He added the issue of facilities is a continent-wide challenge, with most stadiums owned by the government or rich corporations and individuals.
“It is not only a challenge in Botswana but Africa as a continent. We entirely depend on government infrastructure,” he said.
An agreement was reportedly struck on Thursday for the use of the National Stadium by the organisers of the church service and GU.
