The Botswana Football Association has released Former Township Rollers coach Mark Harrison’s International Transfer Certificate (ITC) to the South African Football Association (Safa) which clears the way for him to continue his new job as Technical Director for Absa premiership rookies Baroka FC
The association had initially demanded that Harrison explain why disciplinary action could not be taken against him following allegations concerning his acquisition of a CAF A coaching licence while in the country.
Harrison left the country early this month after quitting his job as Rollers coach to take over as Technical at Baroka FC.
“The BFA has released Harrison’s clearance to another country and he is now employed by Baroka FC in South Africa. They should have held his clearance to clear the air if they have a case against him, so it will be a challenge now to bring him to book while he is no longer registered with Botswana football.
Harrison, together with former BFA Technical Officer Phillemon Makhwengwe were written letters on December 20, 2016 with expectations that they should respond by January 10, 2017 over the acquisitions of CAF A coaching licence. In a letter leaked to Sunday Standard, the BFA had directed the two to give information about how Harrison acquired the most sought-after football CAF A licence that was facilitated by Makhwengwe in Lesotho.
‘’We write to request you to show cause why disciplinary action cannot be taken to you against allegations labelled against you (sic). Clarify the issue regarding participation of Mark Harrison in the Confederation de African Football (CAF) A Licensing Coaching course which took place sometime this year in Maseru, Lesotho. The said course was conducted by amongst others yourself as CAF Instructor domiciled in Botswana under the auspices of Botswana Football Association,” reads a letter addressed to Makhwengwe.
The letter further said as Makhwengwe was the CAF representative appointed to assess the licensing course hence trusts that he was best placed to provide the BFA with proper information with regard to Harrison’s licensing.
A letter addressed to Harrison indicated that “as the coach in Botswana appointed by Township Rollers Football Club, an affiliate of BFA, we would appreciate if you could amongst other clarity if indeed you attended the course, duration of your attendance and how you came to attend the said course”.
Both letters copied to CAF Director Football Development Division Abdel Moneim Hussein-Shatta concluded by saying “you are directed by this communication to submit information by end of business on January 10, 2016. Please note that your inability to provide the information would leave us no option other than to appeal to CAF for their intervention and assistance”.
However, the BFA have confirmed that Makhwengwe has responded to their demands whereas Harrison failed to respond before deadline. “At the moment it is still premature to make any media comments as we are still assessing the situation. Makhwengwe has responded and we are yet to receive anything from Harrison.
