Gilika calls for unity within BFL
One of Botswana Football League ( BFL) interim chairman, Njabulo Gilika’s immediate assignments will be to engage some of the shareholders and smoke a peace pipe, after they declared that they will not be part of the league if certain issues are not ironed out.
In a brief interview after his appointment, Gilika said everybody involved in football must play a part to ensure football returns without any hindrance.
“To be honest, it is very unfortunate that we find ourselves in this situation, but it is not Gilika who can come and save the situation; it is a responsibility of everyone to play a part to ensure we move forward. We will meet and engage to find the best way forward,” he stated. BFL has been mandated to commercialize and turn the league into a sustainable entity after being handed its autonomy by the Botswana Football Association ( BFA) at last year’s general assembly. In the days of COVID- 19, securing sponsors have proved to be a complex exercise for the BFL secretariat who are yet to officially announce any partnerships or title sponsor for the league. However, despite all the political hurdles that threatens the start of the league this month, the BFL has since announced that the 22nd of October will see a return to local football.
Previously, there has been reports that the league will not start unless the BFL has at least P15 million in their account. “Everyone wants football to return, that is why I have to emphasize that the involvement of everyone is key if we want to see local football return. We are banking on everyone involved to make our wishes become a reality. It is not just my confidence but everyone else’s confidence to decide that yes indeed we will start. If there are circumstances that will hinder the start of the league, we will have to engage and make decisions on the best interest of football to return,” Gilika shared.
Gilika further revealed that he is not looking to land the post on a permanent basis and said proper arrangements will be made to find a permanent candidate for the BFL Chairmanship position. With a vast experience in football administration, the former Jwaneng Galaxy chairman ( Gilika) was roped into the club when Galaxy was formed from the merger of Jwaneng Comets and Blue Diamonds in 2015.
Under his guidance Galaxy earned promotion to the elite league in the same year. The team has been to two Mascom Top 8 finals and winning one in 2019. Under Gilika’s watchful eye, Galaxy were also crowned league champions in 2020 and has made appearances in the CAF club competitions in just six years of existence.