Letshwiti lauds Motsepe
Confederation of African Football President, Dr Patrice Motsepe’s contribution towards South African football has been described as a phenomenal inspiration for Africa, especially in Botswana, this was observed by Botswana Football Association president, Maclean Letshwiti.
Letshwiti was officiating at a hosting ceremony for the CAF president and his wife, Precious Moloi- Motsepe during their visit earlier this week. Addressing officials from government, the sports fraternity, the private sector and the media in Gaborone, Letshwiti said:
“Your contribution in football has inspired notable interest from Corporate Botswana who have since come on board on many key areas in soccer development. Your involvement in football has meant not only financial rewards for footballers, but has also created so many opportunities for various households who live off the beautiful game.” Letshwiti further explained that the transformation Dr Motsepe demonstrated at PSL outfit Mamelodi Sundowns is the kind of transformation needed in Africa, especially in the case of Botswana as clubs seek to comply with both FIFA and CAF requirements particularly in the club licensing department.
“This, we can only do with Corporate Botswana involved and playing a meaningful part in the beautiful game. Our beautiful team. The Women Senior National team, the Mares have qualified
for African Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in July 2022. This is a historic achievement which we strive to recognize and execute well in preparations and in the competition itself.” Letshwiti continued: “To achieve this, we need about P7, 2 million to compete with the best. I wish the business community could see the incentive to play a part in this form of women empowerment.”
The BFA president urged the business community to acknowledge and understand that football is a very capital- intensive enterprise. “Dr Motsepe is my witness here tonight. We need your support now more than ever before. To play at the highest level, you need to comply with the requirements set out by both FIFA and CAF. Compliance in football, like in any business is key.” This according to Letshwiti, brings about accountability and governance to the product and makes the playing field level to compete fairly.
“My focus with the National Executive Committee, is to transform local football. We have already made inroads together with the Botswana Football League, to commercialize this product, to make it palatable to both the consumer and yourselves as the business people, the decision makers and the owners of the means of production.”