Development

New Technical Director hits the ground running

Jun 21, 2018

The new Technical Director of Botswana Football Association, Serame Letsoaka, says he wants to see Zebras rankings improve to the Top 50 – 70 in the world during his time at the helm of the technical department.

Letsoaka, a qualified FIFA and CAF instructor, says the only way we can achieve this, is to ensure that the BFA’s development plan is carried out in full and local coaches are part of it.

“We must produce the right kind of coaches in the country to address the needs of our game. The fact that there are only three local coaches with an A License, is a serious challenge to me. And that means I have to hit the ground running,” said Mr Letsoaka.

He promised to challenge the norm of the younger player not being given a chance to play more, promising a policy review. He shared his roadmap (see download below) with the media which he described as the solution to Botswana football.

For his part, BFA’s Vice President, Marshlow Motlogelwa said when the current administration came in power, their biggest dream was to revolutionize the face of football as well as ensure there is a robust long-term development for the future of our football. Over the past few months, they have been working around the clock, planning and putting into play the development model for our country.

BFA has partnered with Premier skills for the development of grass root coaches, the program last year was utilized to train over 50 grass root couches in our four blocks and we intend to grow the number to all primary schools.

Motlogelwa also highlighted that they have had a German technical expert come to the country to assess the tactical and technical levels of our coaches and players, as from August we will have them for 3 years to continue assisting with coach evaluation and monitoring.

BFA has also started the Elite Youth League and Youth League to ensure mass participation and proper training of our future footballer which is a key to the future of football. All these initiatives that BFA has started, together with the administration’s strong will and passion, results are coming.

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Development

Kgatleng Regional FA lauded for leading Operation Time For Change

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Goabaone G. Taylor yesterday (Friday) officially closed the 5-day FIFA-approved Administration and Management drill dubbed ‘Operation Time for Change’ for the Kgatleng Regional Football Association held at Rasesa Lodge in Rasesa.

The program is intended to achieve a renewal in terms of how football is managed at all levels throughout the country, facilitated by FIFA instructor and consultant, Ashford Mamelodi of Mamelodi Consulting. The objectives of the programme include the empowerment of leaders, both Regional Structures and Clubs, on the management of the game; engaging participants on the importance of Stakeholder management, as well as identifying for further training prospective national course instructors in Administration and Management, with a view that once qualified, they will continue to train up and coming Administrators in the Regions on football administration.

An exciting moment for the Kgatleng FA was the fact that Taylor was making her first engagement with the regional association following her recent appointment at the helm of the Botswana FA.

The CEO said the BFA will reach its set targets and mission of developing football from grassroots levels with the help of the regional FAs and urged them to fully partake in all operations and agendas availed and offered by the secretariat. The program sees more than 600 participants across the country benefiting at a cost over P4 million courtesy of football’s world governing body, FIFA, and Taylor said it will be imperative for those who have immensely benefited to share the vast knowledge with their peers, so everybody is on par with the level of understanding in modern football principles.

BFA management posing for a picture with Kgatleng Regional FA leadership

“This course has been a game changer as it empowers the clubs. For football to grow, we need to continue equipping our stakeholders more, and the Operation Time for Change project has the potential to change the landscape of our football and take it forward, to levels never imagined. With about 600 expected to graduate from this course across regional FAs, I therefore challenge those that have benefited to share their acquired knowledge, so we broaden our spectrum in football. We all need to play our part by contributing towards football development. The Kgatleng Regional FA has shown growth characterized by the establishment of an office, which will be used by the region to facilitate all matters of football and this will further make football a formidable brand. Also, let me thank Mr. Mamelodi for continuing to share all his vast football experience with our regional FAs,” said Taylor.

For his part, Ashford Mamelodi of Mamelodi Consulting said the weeklong training with the Kgatleng Regional FA was extremely refreshing and engaging.

“We spoke to all the principles of professional football and administration. As we end with all, but one region remaining, we stay hopeful that the BFA will continue harnessing our knowledge by availing this type of programs in future. The Kgatleng Regional FA seems to be doing well, and they’re truly a shining example in matters related to football development. Quite pleasing is the fact that most clubs in the region own land and playing grounds. This is a welcome development as it shows grow and potential,” said Mamelodi.

The Kgatleng Regional FA Chairperson, Thabang Seleke said encouraged by the just concluded BFA Administration and Management course, him and his troops will start a campaign to raise at least 500 balls aimed at encouraging grassroots development in the region in a quest to revive the spirit of football and its fanfare.

One of the delegates and the Kgatleng Regional FA Disciplinary Committee member, Moses Mariri said thanked the Kgatleng Regional FA leadership for its readiness in football transformation.

BFA CEO Taylor

Furthermore, Mariri said local football must be packaged in an attractive manner to make it more appealing to potential sponsors and fans. As such, Mariri said more education is needed especially on football branding.

“The Kgatleng Regional FA leadership has been consistent with information particularly with regards to learning more new methods of football. This will further unearth raw talent and new ideas that can improve our football,” said Mariri.

All the participants were awarded certificates of attendance. From Kgatleng, the Operation Time for Change program will call it a wrap in Palapye from 10th – 14th May 2021 with the Central/North Regional FA (Serowe).