Hardly a month after being appointed the new chairman of troubled Kgatleng Regional Football Association (KRFA), Clifford Mogomotsi has warned that his committee will not tolerate unsportsmanlike behaviour which has been rampant in the region in recent times.
“There is no doubt that there are problems in the region but we’re going to work tirelessly to deal with the indiscipline which has been rocking the progress of the game here (Kgatleng). I hear that referees have been abused and beaten in the past but we’re going to deal with such behaviour. My committee is going to ensure that Kgatleng football gets clean and earn respect,” said Mogomotsi.
He pointed out that another major concern is that of clubs not honouring games or reporting late. “We need to adhere to the rules and regulations of the game of football. If a club within our region will not adhere to the rules, proper action will be taken. If we want to see football developing here, we need to be respectful,” he said.
Mogomotsi is confident that through proper consultations, he can turn the state of football in the region around during his term, but he has warned that people should not expect miracles. The outspoken Mochudi Centre Chiefs’ official took over from Phakedi Ramatlhape. “The football community has shown confidence in my abilities and I don’t want to disappoint them. I believe that if I work closely with my committee and other stakeholders we cannot fail. The most important thing which people need to understand is that I’m not saying I’m a messiah. But I’m going to do my best to ensure we reach our goals. I’ve a strong committee which will help me achieve our targets,” he said.
Mogomotsi said they have already met some key stakeholders in the district to ensure that they are on the same page in ensuring that they take football forward. He said that the fortunate thing is that they are close to Gaborone where the football headquarters are based. “We’ve to align our vision with that of Botswana Football Association. It will be important to run regular courses for the region to ensure that they are abreast with the ongoing developments in the game. We’ve an open door policy whereby we’ll listen to all those coming with ideas which are helpful in the long run,” he said.┬á
Mogomotsi said it is time that his region has more representatives in the country’s Premier League. For a very longtime, Mochudi Centre Chiefs have been the only side from Kgatleng region in the country’s elite league. “We need to empower our clubs so that we have another side in the Premier League. That would show that our region is progressing,” he said.
KRFA boss has also challenged the clubs in the region to develop their own players. He said youth development is very important as it will help clubs not to spend much on buying players every season. “I’ve always maintained that youth development is the way to go. There is so much talent in Kgatleng which needs to be harnessed,” concluded the boss.