Dear Editor
Of late, the BFA has been under fire with some people calling for the dissolution of the entire leadership. The main argument has been that the leaders are doing a lousy job in turning the country’s football professional.
I would like to look at the issue of turning football professional from a different angle.
Charity, as the English say, begins at home. The very same people who are blaming the BFA should first ask themselves what their part is in the issue, and whether they have played their part well. My argument is that football followers in this country are doing close to nothing to help the BFA.
To start with, there is a mediocre turnout at the stadiums, even if it is a top-of-the-table clash, or a local derby.
Only the supporters of the teams that are playing come to the stadium. If we do not rally behind our teams, who will?
In the past few weekends, Orange Botswana hosted one of the most important football tournaments, the U12 tournament in Francistown.
The poor kids were playing in front of empty stands. One would ask where the football “lovers” were.
Our supporters are not very loyal to their teams, but are quick to blame the BFA for “slowing down the process of turning the beautiful game professional.” How many of these supporters are registered with their respective teams?
What is very disheartening is the fact that most of these fans do not even attend team meetings, let alone pop out a single thebe to the development of the team.
These fans are the very ones who tarnish the teams’ good names by harassing match officials.
Are these fans doing their part in turning the game professional?
The BFA has said for so many times that they have financial problems. An account was established for the lovers of the game to rescue the Titanic.
Surprisingly, no one cares to throw a fraction of his or her money into the account. This account would have saved the GabonamongÔÇöSelolwane problem.
Now, where is professionalism if no one is willing to part with a mere 5 thebe for the development of the game?
Before we blame the BFA, we really need to put our house in order as football lovers and the sooner the better.
Thank you.
Emmanuel Mapeni Mokalake
Gaborone
