The BFA is due to hold its elections towards the end of next year and corridor talk has linked the businessman with the top post, currently held by Zakhem's close ally, Maclean Letshwiti.
Although there has been no confirmation, the 2024 election is expected to pit the 'usual culprits', Letshwiti and former BFA president, Tebogo Sebego. Sebego was at the helm between 2012 and 2016 but lost out to Letshwiti in the two subsequent elections.
While the elections are more than 18 months away, a lot of groundwork has been covered with canvassing kicking-off in earnest. BFA second vice president, Maokaneng Bontshetse has been mentioned as a possible candidate although he is expected to back Sebego. It is expected to be a hard and long campaign ahead with daggers already drawn.
Zakhem has largely been acknowledged as the man who drove Letshwiti's campaign in 2016 and 2020. Since then he has been made the Botswana Football League (BFL) chairperson, but he has indicated that he is not keen to make the step up and challenge for the BFA presidency. In an interview this week, Zakhem said he was content with his role at GU, where he has transformed the Reds.
“No, I will not be contesting the BFA presidency. My main focus is on GU and it will be the same for years to come,” Zakhem said, dismissing reports he is considering quitting the Reds in the near future. He said the BFA position is demanding, which is why he will not consider running. “Such position requires a lot of hard work, various engagements and lot of travelling.
I enjoy my role at GU and I want to spend most of my free time with the lads,” he said. GU are on the ascendancy after breaking a 12-year wait for the league title last season. They have already set an early pace in the current campaign and are favourites to add a second title in two seasons.
