The future of Botswana Football Association Chief executive Officer (BFA CEO), Ookeditse Malesu, who is on probation, is not certain.
According to sources close to the BFA leadership, the BFA NEC is not happy about his performance and it is likely that he will not be given a contract.
Information reaching Sunday Standard Sport is that the BFA NEC is of the opinion that the CEO is lacking in football knowledge and his administration skills are wanting.
It is said even the man who appointed him, BFA president Maclean Letshwiti, has lost confidence in his right hand man and does not see him pulling through the high demanding job of the CEO.
Ever since taking over the reins, it has not all been plain sailing as expected at Lekidi. Among many of the blunders was the bungling of the Zebras players’ visa applications ahead of the team’s trip to Morocco to prepare for the crucial AFCON qualifiers.
As a result of the amateurish visa application handling, some Zebras players and officials had to return back to the country from OR Tambo Airport in South Africa.
In the aftermath of the Morocco camp, there was an alleged discontent within the Zebras camp over allowances. The unhappiness came about after players who had travelled to Morocco for the week-long camp were allegedly given “fat cheques” while others who remained behind got less.
It is said that those that did not make the Morocco trip grieved that they were still in camp locally hence sought the same amount.
As if that was not enough, on the day the Zebras were due to play the crucial AFCON qualifier, the CEO is alleged to have disrupted the then coach Peter Butler’s pre-match team talk, which ultimately led to the fiery Butler storming out of the dressing room having cut his pep talk short.
This resulted in a spat that saw Butler accuse “some people within the BFA structure of sabotage”. Butler would eventually leave his post at the BFA.
The blunders at the BFA secretariat are said to have strengthened the position of Letshwiti’s two vice presidents Segolame Ramotlhwa and Marshlow Motlogelwa, who were against Malesu’s appointment.
From the onset, the two BFA vice presidents views were publicly known that they doubted Malesu’s ability to manage.
Aside from the chronicled blunders, it is said the BFA leadership is also not happy with his skills of negotiating with sponsors and potential sponsors.
It is alleged that the major test that will see him vacate the office is the coming BFA Annual General Assembly billed for August 12, 2017. The BFA CEO is expected to give a report to the assembly and also to facilitate on the proceedings as the CEO. He is expected to answer questions from delegates that will be attending the assembly.
It is said after the AGM the NEC members will force for his evaluation and ultimately go separate ways if they find him wanting.
