BFA unhappy with Tanzania antics

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is unimpressed with their Tanzanian counterparts after a botched friendly match between the two countries. The Zebras were due to fly out to Tanzania on Wednesday but the trip was postponed at the last minute after it emerged their hosts had booked two other opponents. FIFA allows national teams to play only two Tier 1 friendly matches per window.

Tanzania wanted to downgrade their clash to a practice match, which would not help the Zebras’ cause, as Botswana is keen to improve on the FIFA rankings.

BFA chief executive officer, Mfolo Mfolo said they had not officially communicated their disappointment with the Tanzania Football Federation.

“But I have expressed my disappointment to the general secretary through a WhatsApp communication platform. Besides, they engaged us in bad faith, so we will just leave it there. You will expect such disappointment with some African countries...lack of professionalism,” Mfolo said.

He said the BFA is still pursuing a friendly match in this FIFA window, with Ethiopia a possibility.

“We are discussing through a match agent if we could play Ethiopia. If we fail, I do not see a possibility of getting any game because most countries are now engaged,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zebras interim coach, Mogomotsi ‘Teenage’ Mpote said they were not too disappointed with the last-minute cancellation.

“We are not disappointed because it was at short notice but also we wanted to play,” Mpote said. On his team selection, which has seen more young players make the squad, Mpote said it was to be expected.

“That’s normal. We have different generations, some graduate, others retire. So we will keep changing, we will always have senior players,” he said.

Mpote ignored players such as experienced Township Rollers defenders, Simisane Mathumo and Mosha Gaolaolwe, Jwaneng Galaxy leading goalscorer, Thabang Sesinyi and South Africabased Mogakolodi ‘Tsotso’ Ngele.

Mfolo said the BFA was taking a deliberate decision with eyes on the 2027 AFCON finals, which Botswana is likely to host.

“It is a deliberate decision. Our focus is 2027. If we win the bid to host we must have a strong team, either way, if we lose the bid we must also have a strong team. It is also part of the product package as we engage sponsors.

They must see the bigger picture of our development. And that is how football is run all over the world, it is more on science and research,” Mfolo said.