The Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Honourable Tumiso Rakgare has warned against spreading negative energy as Botswana and Namibia (BONA) aims to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in 2027.

Rakgare, during a press briefing at Tlotlo Conference Centre in Gaborone on Tuesday, emphasized the need for the country to be a united front to ensure that the African football spectacle finals of 2027 will be played in home soils.

Recent reports suggested that there were divisions amongst the local football leadership, regarding the Bid Committee which has been tasked with leading the campaign to host the tournament.

In addition, the current local football environment is marred by instability and raging boardroom wars which have brought the game into disrepute.

The Minister refuted allegations that the Botswana Football Association (BFA) leadership have been sidelined in making some key decisions relating to the bid committee.

“Since day one, we have been with the BFA, they know what is happening, and in the Bid Technical Committee we have the BFA CEO, representing football and expectations are that, deliberations and engagements are made to reach a common goal. I have been engaging with the BFA president and we will continue to walk in this journey together. We must be happy that the people selected are football people and are more than capable to deliver this Bid,” Rakgare stated.

He justified the appointment of some individuals in the committee, mentioning out Segolame Ramotlhwa as a key member of the committee given his experience in football having served under four Presidents of the BFA during his time at the association as the Vice President.

Ramotlhwa is reportedly suspended by the current football leadership but Rakgare stated that, there were serious considerations before making the appointments and added that it was a collective decision by all concerned parties.

Rakgare noted that, although there might be disagreements amongst football leadership, the main interest and focus should be towards supporting the efforts to bring the AFCON finals to the Southern Africa region.

“These issues are normal, it happened in South Africa as they were bidding for the World Cup, there were issues surrounding formation of the Super League in Europe last year, so there are issues everywhere in football. There will always be issues in football but we must not dwell much into negativity, and link whatever is currently happening to our efforts to hosts the AFCON finals. The BFA, BFL and BNSC know what they have to do, we need integrity,” the Honourable Minister added.

The Minister described the current situations surrounding the registration of players as, “disgusting and embarrassing.

“It’s really worrying and disappointing and rather disgusting and I hope they will get their house in order. We don’t want to shift our energies into these issues. Of course, we are worried by these issues, it’s worrying and I think they know exactly what they need to do,” he said.

There has been proposals by intermediaries to end the current registration saga out of court in the best interest of football but the two parties (BFL Disciplinary Committee and Township Rollers) could not agree on terms on offer.

Botswana and Namibia are renowned for their political stability and peace and the Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture said the two countries must leverage on this to win the Bid to host the AFCON finals in 2027.

“Our people must know and understand the importance of hosting this tournament, we have to speak more about our tourism, both Botswana and Namibia. We have to talk about the tranquility and stability in these two countries,” Rakgare said.

Rakgare further stated that, the hosting of the games would boost the economic sector in the country and leave a long lasting legacy which could propel local football to greater heights.

He further encouraged service providers more especially at airports and boarders entrances to be urgent and show positive energy which could show the country’s eagerness to host the AFCON Finals.