CAF President out of reach
BFA scampered all opportunities for local journalists to engage the visiting CAF President
Cofederation of African Football ( CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe’s visit to Botswana Football Association ( BFA) turned out to be a disappointment for some of the journalists who were invited to attend the event but were locked outside the auditorium at Lekidi.
While a swanky, top- notch experience was expected at the event, the mismanagement of media stakeholders during the CAF president visit is one that tops the list as journalists ran from pillar to post trying to make it to the haphazardly planned event. From the onset, the lack of professionalism from the association seemed eminent as they consistently sent invitations through unconventional social media communication, an irregular for an organisation of their calibre.
There was a sloppy late change of venues for the event which was hosted on Monday afternoon this week, initially the event was to be held at Lekidi Football Center from 1400hrs and later changed to Avani Resort and Casino at 1500hrs. When scores of journalists made it to Avani, they were met by a hallow conference room. The President of CAF accompanied by BFA President Maclean Letshwiti were seen hastily leaving the venue and headed for Lekidi, where the journalists had been dispersed for Avani. Journalists were forced to race behind the two presidents to Lekidi, however at their arrival at Lekidi, only a few journalists from state owned media houses were allowed entry into the venue by an unknown figure who claimed that the event was jam packed and there were no seats. Meanwhile, other journalists were made to remain at Avani in wait for the scheduled press conference as, apparently, the one at Lekidi was just for the BFA National Executive Committee. The press conference which was scheduled for journalist was hosted an hour later at Avani, however it turned out, the event was far from a press conference but a session for local football sponsors. Journalists were not allowed to pose any questions to the CAF President. In his address, Motsepe encouraged the private sector to continue working with the football structures, “there is no doubt this country has produced many stars, so invest in the youth, invest in school sports, let’s continue this partnership and engagement going forward. “There is no doubt there is talent here, the Women have already qualified for the most important tournament, AWCON and we have some of the best players playing at Mamelodi Sundowns.”
He said partnering with football is the most profitable partnership in terms of brand development and brand promotion. “I want you to increase the money you are offering football, not because you are doing them a favour but because it makes business sense.” Moreover, sources within the BFA circles indicate that Minister of Sports, Tumiso Rakgare and the BFA President have promised Motsepe that there will be a construction of a world class stadium locally to support their bid to cohost the 2027 Afcon tournament with Namibia.