The former owner of Masitaoka Football Club, Aryl Ralebala, has strongly refuted recent claims circulating in local football circles that he intends to sell the Dinaledi Academy, a facility he established alongside the football club.
Situated in the scenic Kgatleng village of Oodi, the swanky academy facility has become a prominent fixture in Botswana's football landscape, serving as a vital home ground for various league teams. With the new football season quickly approaching, the Dinaledi Academy is poised to continue playing a crucial role in the sport's development by hosting high profile league games.
Having been built with the ambition to raise the standard of football in Botswana, the Dinaledi Academy has emerged as an essential part of the country's sports infrastructure. In recent years, it has not only provided a home for Molepolole outfit Masitaoka but also hosted numerous league matches, significantly contributing to the growth and visibility of local football in the area. Recently, speculation arose regarding the potential sale of the academy, with some media reports suggesting that the facility was being put up for sale to private entities and government.
These claims have sparked concern among local football stakeholders and sponsors who might be unsure of the future of the facility going forward. Addressing these allegations this week, Ralebala, who recently sold his stake in Masitaoka Football Club to Mochudi Center Chiefs, has expressed his surprise and frustration over the unfounded reports. In an interview, he vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "Some people made a remark and set the price on the facility, it’s bad for business and for sponsors.
I was very surprised to see those in the media. I don’t know where they get that from. It’s not good for people to publish unconfirmed reports," he stressed. Ralebala further emphasized his ongoing commitment to football, despite his recent exit from Masitaoka. "I am very much still involved in football," he asserted. "Administratively I will have an input." As the new season looms, the focus will likely remain on the Dinaledi Academy and its role in the league.
With Ralebala’s assurances that the facility is not for sale, stakeholders and fans can anticipate that the academy will continue to serve as a vital venue for the sport as some clubs consider its pricing affordable unlike other facilities.
Situated in the scenic Kgatleng village of Oodi, the swanky academy facility has become a prominent fixture in Botswana's football landscape, serving as a vital home ground for various league teams. With the new football season quickly approaching, the Dinaledi Academy is poised to continue playing a crucial role in the sport's development by hosting high profile league games.
Having been built with the ambition to raise the standard of football in Botswana, the Dinaledi Academy has emerged as an essential part of the country's sports infrastructure. In recent years, it has not only provided a home for Molepolole outfit Masitaoka but also hosted numerous league matches, significantly contributing to the growth and visibility of local football in the area. Recently, speculation arose regarding the potential sale of the academy, with some media reports suggesting that the facility was being put up for sale to private entities and government.
These claims have sparked concern among local football stakeholders and sponsors who might be unsure of the future of the facility going forward. Addressing these allegations this week, Ralebala, who recently sold his stake in Masitaoka Football Club to Mochudi Center Chiefs, has expressed his surprise and frustration over the unfounded reports. In an interview, he vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "Some people made a remark and set the price on the facility, it’s bad for business and for sponsors.
I was very surprised to see those in the media. I don’t know where they get that from. It’s not good for people to publish unconfirmed reports," he stressed. Ralebala further emphasized his ongoing commitment to football, despite his recent exit from Masitaoka. "I am very much still involved in football," he asserted. "Administratively I will have an input." As the new season looms, the focus will likely remain on the Dinaledi Academy and its role in the league.
With Ralebala’s assurances that the facility is not for sale, stakeholders and fans can anticipate that the academy will continue to serve as a vital venue for the sport as some clubs consider its pricing affordable unlike other facilities.
