As winds of change sweep across local football’s landscape, a pensive family has gathered in anticipation of tangible benefits to roll out from the recent shake-up. Tariq Babitseng performed the David act when he floored Maclean Letshwiti in last month’s election, triggering hopes of a fresh start for the game’s long suffering servants. Babitseng’s arrival does not necessarily represent the magic bullet, but there was a collective sigh of relief when the former BFA vice president got the nod to seat at football’s highest table. There are still sceptics and these will not be worn over by mere changes in personnel as football yearns for tangible transformations.
Of particular interest has been the changes that have brought in what are regarded as technocrats at the Botswana Football League (BFL), a sharp departure where dyed in wool football politicians have been the dominant forces.
The BFL board is now headed by Peter Kesitilwe, a corporate man who is at the helm of the Gambling Authority, while Sipho Showa comes in as independent director. Showa also has experience across the corporate sector and has training in law.
Optimists argue this bodes well for the game as it is a new line of voting where ‘non-aligned’ individuals are given the mandate to transform football.
The optimism comes as the BFL has a title sponsor for the first time in four years. FNBB has replaced BTC as the title sponsor and this has lifted the mood among fans.
The opening weekend provided ample proof that fans were prepared to play along to a well orchestrated Premier League.
“The opening weekend went well. Remember, a lot of hard work had gone into preparing for the FNB Premiership. The opening game was epic. All went according to plan. When last did you witness an incident free event at a near capacity football match, especially at night?” a satisfied BFL chief executive officer, Bennett Mamelodi, said this week.
“It is clear that Batswana are regaining their appetite for football and that is encouraging. Five matches were broadcast live in week one and consistency in that regard will be crucial for our commercial imperatives. But for me, the performance of the match officials is what stood out. Without quality and consistent officiating, the BFL project doesn’t stand a chance. So it was comforting to witness the improved levels of officiating, which we hope shall be sustained for the whole season,” Mamelodi added.
He said going forward football fans should expect a football product that shall continue to improve in terms of quality on the pitch, branding and activations, interactive engagements via new media, and shared insights on statistics and data about the product.
“We intend to elevate football from just being a match or an event, but we want football to become an experience that will attract even more fans and also enhance our commercial aspirations,” Mamelodi said. The FNB Premiership action is back next week after a break due to the international matches this week.
