The soccer mother body found itself P8 million in deficit after funds from FIFA reserved for the women’s football project and COVID-19 relief funds were used in the running of the association.
When the Maclean Letshwiti-led administration assumed office in 2016, they indicated the association had a P10 million deficit. BFA has struggled to wipe out the deficit, which was further exacerbated by last year’s turn of events. Between April and December, it was reported that there was unauthorised use of FIFA funds to keep the association running.
The development claimed the scalp of the then chief executive officer, Goabaone Taylor, with BFA's first vice president, Marshlow Motlogelwa also resigning. As the BFA heads to its annual general assembly, it has emerged the association is still battling its financial demons. However, CEO Mfolo Mfolo said the football body is seeking a way out of the murky waters.
“We are managing financial prudence. Yes, we are still on a deficit but we will try to break even and be financially stable,” Mfolo said. Upon assuming office, Letshwiti emphasised the need for tighter financial controls and good governance. The BFA general assembly date has not been set, with the meeting usually held in August. Mfolo said the meeting could be held as late as November.
“The general assembly will be sometime (in) October or November. We are still busy with regional assemblies and elections,” he said.
With the BFA struggling to break even, one of its key organs, the Botswana Football League (BFL) has seen several sponsorship deals end. Mascom recently announced it will not be sponsoring the popular annual Top 8 competition, while there remains no title sponsor for the league.
The BFL is reportedly involved in talks with various potential sponsors to jump on board in a bid to avert last season’s scenario where the competition had no title sponsor. However, to their credit, the tournament organisers managed to hold awards and give each team prize money, with the champions Gaborone United getting P1 million.
