BRINGING A WOMAN’S TOUCH TO FOOTBALL
And how are you going to make sure your hands stay clean?
The BFA activities are governed by the statutes of FIFA, CAF, COSAFA and laws and regulations of Botswana. These are important statutes that any effective Football Association should live by. Coming from the Telecommunications and Broadcasting service industries, I am fully equipped to lead an organisation within these statutes, rules and regulations.
So, how was the job interview?
Not easy! This has been a process that was initiated back in January if not earlier. Along the way, you ask yourself if you will make it to the next stage and what it is that you need to prepare for in case you do proceed to the next stage. The interview process can be tricky in that the recruiter will keep adding more interviewers to the process and you really cannot keep saying, ‘like I told them, this is how I will execute the job at hand’. One needs to keep the creativity and innovation alive so that they do not sound like a broken record at every interview stage.
What interesting/ challenging question stands out from your interview?
The most interesting question that kept coming up was that of managing stakeholder relationships. I can tell you now that the same question is still coming up in the development programme that I am currently on with UEFA Assist facilitated by GS Academy and hosted by COSAFA, in
Maputo Mozambique from 12th to 16th April. The programme is designed specifically for General Secretaries of FAS to provide essential knowledge, tools and networks needed to successfully and strategically deliver development goals for the Secretariats.
Football Associations across the world, it appears, are plagued by the need to create a balance and prioritise the needs and expectations of the stakeholders, and this will remain a challenge for many years to come. However, if one is equipped with essential tools, the initial job is almost done.
What is your mandate?
My mandate is to deliver on the strategic objective set by the BFA EXCO (NEC) and guided by rules and regulations of the General Assembly. This touches on governance structures as directed and appointed by the General Assembly and the NEC in accordance with their roles and responsibilities.
My role is also towards delivery of strategic objectives in line with policies set and defined by the NEC of BFA in line with FIFA, CAF, COSAFA statutes. My mandate is towards the fans to bring back the love and pride of the game. My mandate is towards the players to create player pathways that can continually contribute to the creation of national youth teams that feed into national teams for coaching and development as well of women’s national teams.
You are on a three-year contract, is that long enough to achieve all you want?
No. But I would like to have created enough pathways for the next incoming General Secretary to take over in case my contract is not renewed after the initial three-year term.
How are you going to repackage football so that it becomes an attractive product?
I will have to continually reflect on the vision and mission of the BFA to ensure alignment. This will touch on continuous assessment of needs and wants of my stakeholders. I will ensure that the marketing needs of the BFA are directly linked to the goals and objectives of the Secretariat.
Did your past job at BTC make you fall in love with football?
Yes. My attention to football was cultivated by the sponsorship of the Premier League by BTC through bemobile at the time. Since then, I have become aware of the activities of football and I never read a newspaper without going right to the back. I have come from switching to another station when sport shows come up to wanting to hear public opinion regarding football activity in the country.
How will your past employment benefit you?
My experience at Econet Media was all encompassing as I was exposed to a wider view of managing a commercial operation that touched on promotion and PR, go to market and customer experience as well as selling of TV sports rights to broadcasters.
Domestically, football has not been played for over a year, what is your take?
This is an opportunity for the BFA to re-organise as we await the return to play. It is a time to ensure all relevant structures, programmes and policies are in place to support government efforts to enable communities to return to near normal. The six-month State of Emergency might feel like a long time. But once you look at what needs to be done before the league kicks off, if all matters are declared and allowed, it is not a lot of time. I would like for the association to use this time to be ready for the first kick-off once the ban/ SOE is lifted. This period is an opportunity for us at the BFA to rebuild and come out with an effective association once we return to play.
When do you want action to resume and in what form?
For what the BFA stand for, I wish I could say this weekend. But for all that needs to be done internally by the BFA and externally by all stakeholders, soon and in line with the known football calendar would be ideal. But because BFA does not operate alone, we will remain hopeful but most importantly work within the guidelines provided by the task force and the government of Botswana.
What is your take on the standard of our football as compared to other countries?
The standard of football across many countries in Africa can still be improved. Some countries have done better than others when you look at the likes of Ghana, Nigeria, South Africa and all. But even with them, they still have a lot of development and governance matters to improve on to ensure effective development of the game.
Is it not slightly intimidating working in a male-dominated industry?
No. I have always been exposed to living, learning and interacting with boys and I was in the technical wing of LOBSEC back in 1994 and this was made up of boys and only three girls for the entire senior school of learning.
How does your husband feel about your new work environment?
My husband was attracted to me as a strong-willed woman that is hungry for success. He is very supportive and confident that as long as we create the right balance at home, my job will be half done.
What is your message to other women hesitant to take up leading roles in football circles?
All I can say is that there is nothing to fear. We just have to bring our A-game as we would in any environment and ensure we are guided by relevant structures in executing our roles. Unlike many other roles, football is in the hearts and minds of many and that is a big responsibility to ensure we maintain the aspirations of the players and the fan base. One does not have to be a woman to do this!
Getting slightly more personal, how do you spend your free time?
I spend a lot of my time with my family, but because I am an early riser, I have time to myself in the earlier parts of the mornings and I use this time to exercise by going on a morning jog or catching up on local and international news. I love cooking with and for my family and we spend a lot of time in the kitchen together. Otherwise we take trips to explore new places and experiences. And I come back home to attempt some of the meals we would have enjoyed while travelling.
Finally, Thank God It’s Friday, how are you going to spend your weekend?
I will be back in the country on Saturday and I can’t wait to see my family. But because there will also be an NEC meeting, I will be on standby to receive the outcomes of the meeting that may require my immediate action.
Now 32, Edwin Moalosi is entering the twilight years of his football career, but what a career it’s been! Known as Moluba to his legion of fans, the midfield maestro is a Township Rollers legend, winning the league five times with Popa.
The Otse native also enjoyed a successful four-year stint in the USA, where he turned out for South Florida Bulls.
However, despite all he has achieved on the football field domestically, Moalosi has just two Zebras caps to his name.
Domestic football has been cancelled for over a year now, so how have you been keeping fit?
I am a professional footballer so with all the restrictions, training and remaining fit has not been easy because we don’t do it at a minimal. I have been reduced to taking daily morning jogs and inhouse training. At Rollers, we also have a free pass at Jack’s Gym so I go there when I need the gym.
And how have you been keeping busy?
It is really hard for us, that is a very emotional topic that we would probably need more time [to discuss] but I guess I have just been trying to figure out what to do with my life after football, I’m still trying to figure that one out!
I am a graduate with a Bachelors Degree, but I can’t work or find a contract because I am contracted to Township Rollers. So I have just been hanging on and trying by all means to find multiple sources of income even though things have been tough because of Covid-19.
What do you think about the new Zebras kit?
I don’t have a problem with it. It’s dope! I am actually more excited about the new Rollers jersey (laughs).
We have a female BFA CEO now, what would you say are the priority areas she should focus on?
She should focus on getting competitive football back, for now that is the only thing she should be focusing on - if she is not already, I would be very disappointed.
What bad habit did you pick-up during Covid-19?
Watching TV all day and not moving from the couch!
If you were President for one day, what is the first thing you would do in office?
If you mean President of BFA, I think I would fight to have football. Also, I would try by all means to try and find ways to develop girl’s/women’s football from grassroots. I noted that in progressive countries like USA girls play with boys at academy level until the age of 8-10. That helps them develop strength.
What is the most expensive item of clothing you own?
(Laughs) Why do you want to know that? Well, it would have to be my Del Toro dress up sneaker.
Have you ever cried after a break-up?
Even though I was the one who messed up, yeah I did. I haven’t found love since (laughing).
Are you a jeans and t-shirt type or do you prefer to be suited and booted?
I think I love suits but being a sports person, you try to be as comfortable as you can. So I mostly feel right with jeans and tee.
Five things people don’t know about you?
1. I am still a bachelor
2. I don’t have children
3. I am a graduate
4. I am a huge Manchester United fan!
5. I LOVE beef ribs