BFL clubs handed lifeline
However, it has since emerged that they have allowed a window of opportunity for the clubs to comply.
Their main bone of contention in maintaining their strong stance on their decision was fear of setting bad precedence.
“Some reasons which led to the failure of some clubs to comply are honestly minor reasons which really don’t merit the degree of charges they are facing. As a federation this will reflect badly on us and there is need to re- evaluate some terms of this club licensing manual,” a close informant to the development shared.
He further confirmed that, the BFA President, Maclean Letshwiti, although he mentioned it in passing during their previous NEC gathering, was considering to engage CAF officials for direction.
“BFA affiliates to CAF and their support during times like these will be highly appreciated and the President is already exploring possibilities to have them on board to lead us on the way forward. Not that the decision of FIB is being undermined but there is a need to holistically look at these issues. He positively spoke as a parent who is interested in finding the best solution on the matter,” the source indicated.
“CAF is always there to advise us [ BFA] the association on issues like this, the decisions taken are made in consultation with CAF, we can’t make decisions without consulting with them because if we make a mistake it will reflect badly on us,” another inside informer at BFA added.
BFA have been closely working with The CAF Club Licensing Senior Manager, Muhammad Sidat after the association was selected as one of the pilot projects for the CAF Club Licensing compliance last year.
During his visit to Botswana early last year, Sidat indicated that, “CAF has developed five ( 5) criteria for club licensing however, from country to country, the federation may add to what works for their leagues. The BFA needs a proper strategy to implement
club licensing, the elite has been granted autonomy to run its affairs. It will be imperative to have a criterion to be implemented for the BFL to be compliant.
It is highly recommended that the strategy has timelines,” he said.
Extension Gunners has already turned to their supporters and this coming weekend Gaborone Gunners Supporters branch will hold a fundraising event in which the proceeds will be channeled towards helping the club.