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CAF Club Licensing Unit Kickstarts Support Mission

Feb 22, 2021

GABORONE, Botswana, February 2021/ — The Botswana Football Association (BFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Club Licensing Unit this morning, (Monday) kickstarted a weeklong roundtable with various football stakeholders at Lekidi Football Centre in Gaborone.

The Botswana FA has been selected as one of the pilot projects for the online CAF Club Licensing compliance.

Visiting the BFA is CAF Club Licensing Senior Manager, Muhammad Sidat accompanied by Kabelo Bosilong – a CAF Club Licensing Instructor from South Africa. This morning CAF and BFA engaged in a series of engagements, the first being with the acting CEO, Thabiso Kebotsamang and the BFA National Executive Committee (NEC) members. Present at the meeting were female representative, Lobito Ncube and ordinary member, Tico Kamati whilst others such as VP1 Marshlow Motlogelwa, VP2 Masego Ntshingane and ordinary member, Carlos Sebina joined the meeting via Zoom.

Other stakeholders at today’s meeting included Botswana Football League (BFL) chairperson, Jagdish Shah, BFA’s Club Licensing coordinator, Olebile Pilara as well as the BFA Legal and Compliance, Pako Moakofhi.

When welcoming the CAF duo to the BFA headquarters and Botswana, BFA’s VP1, Marshlow Motlogelwa said club licensing is an integral part of standardizing football. He said to have a proper implemented club licensing structure is vital for Botswana FA hence the request to seek support mission from CAF.

“We are at around 60% with regards to club licensing as the FA. We therefore want to close gaps in this process. Compliance is very fundamental and therefore with today’s mission support from CAF we are hopeful that we will achieve our set goals. We have reached a critical stage where we have to fully induct our clubs on club licensing which I think we will tap from your skill. We are looking for a partial and transparent report on our process by far,” said Motlogelwa.

The CAF Club Licensing Senior Manager, Muhammad Sidat said the request by the Botswana FA shows how the secretariat is taking a leap towards making sure that all leagues and clubs are run professionally.

“We are here to provide a proper roadmap for club licensing, more importantly is to implement the club licensing regulations. Thus far, the BFA is aware of the objectives of the club licensing system. CAF has developed 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,” said Sidat.

Furthermore, the chairperson of the BFL, Jagdish Shah said it is important for all the stakeholders to sit together and fully understand the club licensing tool. He said after three years of trying to adopt the tool, many clubs are still lacking in the process. He acknowledged the efforts by the BFA for seeking help from the CAF Club Licensing Unit adding that this will surely expedite the process of club licensing.

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Setlhoko Appointed as FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert

FIFA has announced the appointment of Ms. Tsholofelo Setlhoko as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, joining a global network of qualified professionals dedicated to the growth and development of women’s football worldwide. This prestigious appointment recognizes Ms. Setlhoko’s exceptional contributions to the sport and her commitment to advancing women’s football across Botswana and beyond.

Launched in 2020, the FIFA Women’s Football Development Programmes have been instrumental in strengthening women’s football through targeted support for Member Associations. With the recent relaunch of the programme in December 2024, FIFA aims to expand its impact across all 211 Member Associations, offering tailored assistance that reflects the unique contexts and needs of each nation.

In her role as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert, Ms. Setlhoko will leverage her vast experience in football administration, strategic planning, and grassroots development to support Member Associations in implementing sustainable growth strategies. Her leadership within the Botswana Football Association (BFA), particularly in spearheading initiatives for women’s football, has set a benchmark for development and community engagement.

“I am deeply honored to be appointed as a FIFA Women’s Football Development Expert. This is not only a personal achievement but a victory for women’s football in Botswana. I look forward to sharing best practices and supporting the growth of women’s football in other Member Associations,” said Ms. Setlhoko.

The President of the Botswana Football Association, Mr. Tariq Babitseng, also expressed his pride in Ms. Setlhoko’s achievement, stating, “Tsholofelo’s appointment is a testament to her dedication and hard work. Her expertise and passion for women’s football are unmatched, and we are confident that she will make a substantial impact globally.”

Ms. Setlhoko’s appointment marks a significant step forward in the representation of African women in global football development. As she embarks on this journey, she remains committed to championing women’s football and inspiring the next generation of female athletes and administrators.