Botswana Football Association (BFA) president Mclean Letshwiti is said to have turned down a meaningful Confederation of African Football (CAF) vice presidency position.
Rumours are that Letshwiti was the man on the forefront for the position at the nominations this week in Manama, Bahrain last week.
Close sources revealed to Sunday Standard that the recently elected CAF president Ahmad Ahmad nominated his close ally Letshwiti for the vice president post that is validated by the CAF Executive Committee.
However, Letshwiti has settled for a lower position as the member of the committee for revision of statutes under the guidance of Ghanaian FA president Kwesi Nyantakyi who was appointed CAF 1st vice president.
“Letshwiti turned down a chance to be vice president at CAF, owing to the fact that he believes he should reform and make a gain of his local association before even thinking of other duties beyond it,” the source said.
It is said due to his business dealings across the African continent, the BFA president has earned respect that has trickled down positively to local football.
“Letshwiti’s business background seems to be making him a trusted and vital asset for the current CAF top brass. It is just a matter of time before we see his value,” said a source.
In an interview with Sunday Standard, BFA spokesperson Tumo Mpatane could not comment much about the president’s decline for the position but “we are excited that he is in one of the CAF committees”.
“It is true Letshwiti is now part of the revision of status committee, we are extremely proud as the BFA to have received this news early this week. This committee is an advisory committee to the CAF president on matters of policy as well as overseeing proper governance of the governing body in the continent.
“The president is representing this country durably and since taking office I believe these are steps showing how much he wants to see his country recognised in the football fraternity,” Mpatane said.
He said Letswhiti is emerging as a force to reckoned with and has also been recognised by the world football governing body (FIFA) in one its committees.
“‘Letshwiti is a bold leader with an ambition to elevate local football. He is also a member of FIFA disciplinary committee and his recognition is key to assist in the development of local football,” said Mpatane.
