Botswana Football Association (BFA) concluded its FIFA Forward Workshop last week. The workshop brought together a FIFA delegation, BFA National Executive Committee members, Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) representatives, as well as the BFA Secretariat and key football stakeholders.
It focused on strengthening the planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting of FIFA Forward projects while reinforcing the principles of good governance, transparency and accountability.
Officially opening the workshop, BFA and COSAFA President, Mr. Oabile Tariq Babitseng, said strengthening football administration was essential to the long-term growth of the game in Botswana.
He said football development was not only about what happens on the pitch but also about building strong institutions capable of managing resources responsibly and delivering meaningful programmes.
“This workshop was an important opportunity for us to strengthen the way we manage football development in Botswana. FIFA Forward is more than a funding programme. It is a partnership that helps member associations build strong institutions and create opportunities for players, coaches, referees and administrators.”
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every project is properly planned, implemented and monitored so that it delivers lasting benefits to the football community. Good governance, accountability and transparency must remain at the centre of everything we do,” said Babitseng.
The FIFA Forward Programme is one of FIFA’s flagship football development initiatives, providing financial support to member associations to improve infrastructure, strengthen administration, expand technical programmes and grow football at all levels.
During the workshop, participants took part in sessions covering project planning, implementation, monitoring, reporting and financial accountability. The programme also created an opportunity for delegates to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and learn practical approaches to improving project delivery.
FIFA experts guided participants through international best practices, helping local football administrators better understand the standards required when implementing FIFA-funded projects. The sessions also highlighted the importance of effective planning and regular monitoring to ensure projects are completed on time and within approved guidelines.
For the BFA, the workshop formed part of its wider efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and improve governance across the organisation. The association believes strong administration is essential for sustainable football development and for ensuring that investments benefit the entire football community.
The workshop comes at a time when football development continues to receive increased attention in Botswana. Projects involving infrastructure development, youth football, women’s football, coaching education and referee development all depend on effective planning, sound financial management and proper oversight.
By investing in the capacity of football administrators, the BFA aims to improve the delivery of development programmes while ensuring that FIFA Forward funding continues to achieve its intended objectives.
Participants left the workshop with a better understanding of FIFA Forward requirements and the responsibilities involved in managing development projects. They also gained practical knowledge on governance, accountability and reporting that will support future football initiatives across the country.
The successful conclusion of the workshop reflects the shared commitment of FIFA, COSAFA and the Botswana Football Association to building stronger football institutions and creating a sustainable foundation for the continued growth of the game in Botswana.
