By Godfrey Mowaneng
Efforts to axe the national team coach Major David Bright hit a snag last week the Sunday Standard has learnt.
This amid allegations the firing of the coach was intercepted by Bright himself following which he dropped a three-day leave note ahead of the alleged sacking.
On Friday, the BFA top brass had little choice but to wait until this week to engage with Bright.
While Bright buys time, the national team has a game to play – their last 2019 Afcon qualifier match against Angola is slated for March.
The gaffer came under scrutiny following a spate of poor performances in the team’s quest for a second appearance at Afcon finals after its maiden presence in 2012.
A week ago, Bright was asked to report and show cause why he should not be relieved of his duties as the Zebras coach.
While at it, those in the know allegedly tipped off the coach that his days were numbered at the local football association.
“Bight’s expulsion letter was ready for delivery to his office this past week and before they knew it the coach delivered a three-day leave note that commenced on Wednesday,” a source told the Sunday Standard.
Bright confirmed he is on leave and will commence his duties on Monday 18th February 2019. Asked if there is any plan and preparations he is working on for the Zebras last encounter of the Afcon qualifier 2019 campaign, the gaffer revealed that at the moment his hands are tied and difficult to prepare.
“I had asked for leave of absence this week and was cordially relieved by the BFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mfolo Mfolo. I will be back at the office on Monday. For now, it is difficult for me to plan for the last Zebras encounter of the qualifiers campaign. I’m not so sure what is going to happen to me next due to the recent predicaments. I had been asked to show cause why I should not be sacked as the national team gaffer. It is a challenge. I don’t know my fate after this,” Bright told the Sunday Standard.
Mfolo confirmed that indeed Bright is on leave due to social reasons and will commence work next week. He however denied any knowledge of the coach’s planned exit narrating that it is not for him to comment on the coach’s future as the Zebras coach.
“The coach is still with us. We have a contract that elapses in June 2020. The coach’s future is subject to his employers the National Executive Committee. It is up to them on what decisions they want to take with regards to their employee,” said Mfolo.
