BFA takes over

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has acknowledged that granting the Botswana Football League (BFL) autonomy was perhaps premature, given the issues that have arisen since then. The BFA has recognized that a smoother transition to an independent league would have required more thorough planning and preparation to ensure a successful outcome for all involved parties.In this week’s statement, the BFA has declared that it will be assuming control of the Botswana football Leagues beginning next season. This decision aims to provide the Botswana Football League (BFL) with an opportunity to improve its understanding and management of league operations, following a tumultuous period in which the league experienced significant challenges. The BFA believes that this transitional phase will enable the BFL todevelop a more solid foundation and improve its ability to govern the league successfully in the future.Speaking during a press conference on Tuesday, BFA CEO, Mfolo Mfolo acknowledged that the ultimate aim is for the Botswana Football League (BFL) to operate as an independent body, providing stable and effective league management. Mfolo stressed that the BFA has decided to take back control of the league operations temporarily to provide an opportunity for the BFL to acquire additional knowledge and expertise in league administration. The BFA believes that this interim period of oversight will better prepare the BFL for the eventual transition to complete autonomy.“We're going to implement an association model to manage the league, not the separate model used previously. This will involve a four-phase process to ultimately establish the Botswana Football League as an independent entity. We accept responsibility for the difficulties encountered in the past because we didn't adequately support the BFL's growth before handing over control of the league. We're now rectifying our mistake by offering guidance and support to ensure the BFL develops the expertise required to successfully run the league,” Mfolo said.The BFA's decision to take charge of all leagues has come as a surprise to the clubs, who have not yet been consulted about the transition. The restructuring of the league organization will result in the dissolution of the existing league board and the appointment of a new BFA-appointed committee to oversee the league under the association model. A meeting is scheduled on the 8th of June with the clubs to inform them about the changes and the direction in which the league will be taking moving forward.For his part the Outgoing BFL Chairman, Nicholas Zakhem expressed his satisfaction with the BFA's decision to assume complete control of the league, emphasizing that the conflict and misunderstandings within the BFL indicate that this shift in management is a necessary and beneficial move. Zakhem articulated his belief that the BFA's leadership will restore stability to the league and ensure its future success.

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BFA takes over