Hot seat vacant
The search is now on for the next Zebras coach after the Botswana Football Association (BFA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mfolo Mfolo confirmed that they have since parted ways with the veteran tactician, Major David Bright.
Bright was reportedly handed a letter to show course why the association should not terminate his contract a week ago. However, both the BFA and Bright remained mum on the issue as speculation grew on the coach’s future at Lekidi. Some of the targets given to the local coach included qualifying for the 2019 Afcon finals and moving the Zebras up 15 places in the World FIFA rankings. When addressing members of the media at a press conference in Gaborone this week, Mfolo said the current regime at the BFA wanted to stop senior national team activities but this was not possible.
“The BFA National Executive Committee (NEC) has done a thorough introspection on the activities of the senior national team and I wish to state that we as the Association would like to thank the senior national team coach for what he has done for the sport.” Quizzed on whether they fully supported the coach, Mfolo said the coach was given adequate time to prepare the national team especially during the designated FIFA week.
“There was no other time to prepare the team because there are league games and other competitions around the country. In some countries the team even converges when they play their games.” The BFA secretariat boss said they had agreed to deliverables with the coach and whenever one felt that it was getting hot, they were free to jump ship. “Even if you are in a situation where you are building the team, results are expected.”
Furthermore, Mfolo explained that the departure of the coach meant that the whole senior national team technical bench was dismantled, adding that some of them may be brought back under a different dispensation. During Bright’s tenure at Zebras there were instances where a player allegedly sneaked alcohol into camp and other questionable behaviour. In response to issues of discipline, Mfolo said it was up to the technical team to instil discipline in the players.
With regards to the future of the national team, Mfolo said, the senior national team coach is an executive position in the Association. “So, it is only proper that we advertise it. In the interim, the Technical Director is expected to consult with the coaches association in order to prepare for the Afcon qualifier game against Angola. “ Meanwhile, Bright could not be reach on his mobile at press time.