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BFA Awards 2023 – BFA President Mr Maclean C. Letshwiti – President’s Award Speech

Oct 10, 2023

Ladies and Gentlemen, I always emphasize in my speeches that football is a game of love.

And that is very true.

The man whose contribution to football we are going to recognize tonight is an embodiment of that. His love and passion for football is unparalleled. This man has been a player, a star player, and beyond that almost everything you can imagine in football.

Almost fifty years later he is still involved in football. His love for the game has not dimmed. In fact the older he gets the bigger his love for football grows. Here is a man who is aways looking for an opportunity to impart his immense knowledge and experience of football to others, especially to the young ones.

This superstar of yesteryear has over the years started numerous football academies for the benefit of our young people. Time after time he has demonstrated a remarkable eye for identifying football talent. And he simply enjoys and relishes to be involved at grassroots levels.

And for that reason he has groomed too many football players to count.

Sexton Matshidiso Kowa simply cannot get enough of football. He just cannot help himself. He sleeps football. He eats football. He breathes football and he lives football. For him football is everything.

To him this game is like a religion.

He puts it in every small conversation that he has. For his age Sexton still has boundless amounts of energy. At his age he continues to start new youth academies. Those of you who know Sexton, he was a superstar during his playing days. Sexton played football at a time when it was all done for fun.

He was among those of his generation who played football for the love of it. To this day he is involved in football for no gain. Yet during his life time football has changed beyond recognition. Today’s players earn six digits in a week. Rather than be in it for the love of it, today’s football players are celebrities, celebrated the world over.

We recognise Sexton tonight not only because of his direct contribution to football. Sexton has over the years through his academies used the game to put countless kids off the streets and away from drugs. When we say football builds communities, sexton is a living example of how one uses his talents and passion to build the communities he lives within.

Sexton has been a national football player and a national football coach. He has been BFA Technical Director. And in the 1970s he was involved in the creation of Mochudi Centre Chiefs. Many years later, Sexton was involved in the creation of yet another celebrated football Club: Desportivo Flamingoes.

Many people who are alive today have not seen Sexton play. Yet they are able to very easily associate him with football.

Ladies and Gentlemen, join me in giving the BFA Presidential Award to Sexton Matshidiso Kowa in recognition of his service and contribution to football.

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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.