A SPORT ON THE EDGE

The Pilikwe United Chairman is a decorated administrator who has created legacies at clubs like Township Rollers and helped turn Tswapong Regional Football Association into a recognisable brand.

In a candid interview with Voice Sport on Wednesday morning, Radipotsane was quick to admit Covid-19 will leave an indelible mark on the country’s football history.

However, while he stopped short of saying it out loud, it is clear Radipotsane believes the pandemic could prove a necessary evil that brings forth a long-overdue change in the mindset of Botswana’s football administrators.

“Our players have been sitting at home for far too long. Some contracts were left with a year or two, so tell me what happens when football action finally resumes?” queried Radipotsane.

“Clubs will be under no obligation to renew their contracts. These players will be condemned to the streets,” he predicted, gloomily answering his own question.

Once regarded as a kingmaker in local football politics, Radipotsane warned that without a clear economic policy, the sport may never realise its true potential.

“Landlords have taken back their keys and players are stranded; many have had their furniture repossessed!” he added dramatically.

Despite all the problems besieging football, Radipotsane said soccer lovers, and administrators in particular, can’t point an accusing finger at anyone.

“We only have ourselves to blame. We’ve been doing things the wrong way and Covid-19 has exposed us and bared our nakedness,” he said.

“Football has been in existence well before independence. When Francistown was still a bush, Tafic was already in existence, but today the club still doesn’t have a plot of their own. This is a recipe for disaster. There’s no how any team can make it unless they own assets,” insisted Radipotsane, his eye alight with passion.

Dismissing some of the socalled big local teams, Radipotsane said their situation is akin to someone chewing gum.

“It will soon lose its sweetness and elasticity. The reality is in Botswana there’s no difference between a premier league team and a lower division team. They’re both broke and don’t own anything.”

Giving an example of Highlanders in Zimbabwe, he explained the club have a sports club and other facilities that can generate money even without football action.

“I’m not talking about sponsorship. I’m talking about multiple streams of income like lodging facilities owned by a club. The current set-up is unsustainable, the foundation is weak and the roof is leaking,” he said.

The Pilikwe United Chairman challenged fellow football administrators to help their clubs acquire assets, which will make them attractive to investors.

“A team with assets can be a friend with any bank or financial institution,” he concluded simply.