Sunday, February 9, 2025

Butler passes the buck again!

Zebras coach Peter Butler was left fuming over the past weekend when his side went down one nil to visiting Mauritania at the Francistown Sports Complex in their Afcon 2019 qualifier opener. 

Butler fired salvos revealing that the Botswana Football Association (BFA) was filled with unsupportive people that sabotaged his mission to turn around the national team for the better.

Sources close to the matter have revealed to The Telegraph that the Zebras camp was surrounded by tantrums ahead of their match with Mauritania. It is said the team failed to coalesce together for a team talk prior to the game after top officials from the BFA allegedly disturbed the coach and players. 

It has been revealed to this publication that the official was seeking to address players’ welfare at the crucial stage which did not get down well with the Briton coach.

“There was confusion about camp allowances that were given to players as some had travelled to Morocco for a weeklong camp while others remained behind due to travel documents. 

“While those in Morocco were given fat cheques, it is said that those that did not make the Morocco trip grieved that they were still in camp locally hence seeking the same amount as those that jetted out of the country,” a source said.

However, it is said that expectation was that the matter will be resolved after the match which was not the case. The top official (name withheld) known to this publication allegedly forced his way to the dressing room before kick-off with intention to address players. It is said while Butler was against the idea; the official proceeded with his mission that left the coach with no choice but to leave for the pitch without conducting a pre-match converse with his players.

In his post match briefing, Butler said there was a lot that needed to be corrected at the BFA as some people are not supportive for the growth of football.

“I am fed up by those that want to cause trouble. They will claim to be supportive while they sabotage your programme which is unacceptable but we know the BFA president Maclean Letshwiti supports us,” said a furious Butler.

For a long time now BFA spokesperson Tumo Mpatane seems never to be in sync with what happens while he is supposed to keep the media informed. 

Again he downplayed the matter saying he was yet to consult with the coach about his grievances. 

“These are just allegations that there was a brawl in the dressing room. We are yet to consult and resolve the matter if there was any disturbing issues but for now there has never been any official complaint with regards to the allegations,” Mpatane told The Telegraph.

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