FINANCIAL NIGHTMARES
They hope the private sector and the Ministry of Sport will stump up the cash between them.
According to the football body’s CEO, Mfolo Mfolo, the technical committee met last month to map the way forward, with the plan they came up with then adopted by the National Executive Committee.
“It is our maiden appearance. We need money to implement this plan,” declared Mfolo, unable to resist a dramatic pause as he let his words sink in.
Delving into deeper detail, the CEO continued, “We have just completed the first local training camp, which started on 4th April and ended this past weekend.”
Next up on the proposed agenda is a double-header with Zambia, tentatively scheduled for the last week of April.
“They are a strong side and we believe they will give us the needed preparation,” reasoned Mfolo.
The build-up then intensifies with a trip to South Africa.
“From 8th to 18th May, we will use Pretoria High Performance centre and play Sundowns and Amatuks or their national team if they are available after the draw, which is on 25th April. From the 1st to the 10th of June, it will be local camp out of the city [Gaborone]; we are in talks with Orapa and Jwaneng to take the team there. From the 17th to the 24th of June, we are looking at final training camp in Slovakia and we are likely to go to Tunisia,” revealed Mfolo.
The donations have already started pouring in. Local businesswoman, Aucillia Letshwiti - the wife to BFA President, Maclean - led the way, giving P20,000 worth of footwear and t-shirts to the players and technical team.
Describing herself as the Mares ‘biggest fan’, Mma Letshwiti explained this was her way of celebrating the local ladies’ incredible achievement.
“The truth is that women’s football is not adequately funded or supported anywhere in the world, compared to our male compatriots. I have no doubt that women can do anything that men can do, including qualifying for major international competitions. I trust that this is only the beginning of greater things to come,” she said.
Another sponsor to come on board is official water partner, 03 Beverages. The company has pledged to provide both senior and junior teams with water during training camps and matches.
03 Beverages representative, Ali Mahommed, also promised to sponsor fans intending to travel to Morocco to support the team. He urged other companies to help out where they can, noting the association and government will not manage alone.