Mamelodi plunges into depression
The latest episode in the Bennett Mamelodi vs. Botswana Football Association (BFA) saga played itself out early this week when the embattled Botswana Premier League (BPL) chief allegedly served his employers (BFA) with an unexpected medical fitness certificate following his controversial redeployment.
Sun Sports has it in good authority that the document renders Mamelodi unfit to be in office, which means he will be away on sick leave. This week reliable sources close to the matter said that recent developments at Lekidi have taken a psychological toll on Mamelodi. The BPL chief, who is believed to have plunged into a depression, was recently redeployed from the BPL to the BFA at the Industrial Court is expected to be away from office for over a week. Last week Mamelodi and his attorney, Dutch Leburu, challenged the redeployment at the Industrial Court but lost, with the court ruling that as his employer, the BFA could redeploy their employee as and when they wish.
The CEO’s redeployment comes amidst an alleged ongoing forensic audit at the premier league office after he was previously accused of maladministration. However, it seems Mamelodi refuses to be reduced into a pantomime character that will just stand by and watch as investigations continue at the BPL offices. According to sources, the sick note issued by a private clinic in Gaborone entitles him to be away from office for nine days. The controversial redeployment of Mamelodi, where he will work under BFA CEO Kitso Kemoeng, has been met with suspicion as his new role at Lekidi is yet to be defined.
It has not been easy in the last few months for Mamelodi as he had to battle his superiors at the BPL board after being suspended for alleged maladministration. The matter culminated in Mamelodi dragging the BPL board led by Rapula Okaile before the court. Moreover, judgement on this particular matter is expected next month. In addition, the new BFA president, MacLean Letshwiti addressed the matter during his first press conference in Gaborone last week.
Addressing members of the press, Letshwiti said the redeployment of Mamelodi is the best practice in business. “I am not going to investigate you and have you in office. That is the best practice the world over,” said Letshwiti. Meanwhile, the BPL chief had to deal with a litany of issues both at work and at home when he recently announced that his house was broken into four times in one month.
The beleaguered CEO later posted on social media that he believed the break ins were related to football. In an interview this week, the BFA CEO Kitso Kemoeng, confirmed Mamelodi’s leave. Kemoeng explained that Mamelodi was on leave until Friday last week. “He is on extended medical leave and it is not clear when he will be coming back as he is still receiving treatment. I have received his leave and forwarded it to the human resources office.”