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North Central Regional FA Operation Time For Change gets underway

May 11, 2021

The Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development (MYSC) Palapye Sub-District Coordinator, Mpilo Mbo has called on the Botswana Football Association (BFA) to continue training and grooming exceptional administrators in a quest to help government unearth quality talent from grassroots par excellence. Officially opening the Central/North Regional Football Association ‘Operation Time for Change’ training this morning (Tuesday) at Majestic Hotel in Palapye, Mbo said the BFA administrators’ course comes at the right time which is in line with his ministry whose primary objective among others is the development of sports particularly football.

The 5-day FIFA approved, and funded programme dubbed Administration and Management Course for the Central/North Regional FA (Serowe) kicked off on Monday (yesterday) until Friday and is intended to achieve renewal in terms of how football is managed at all levels throughout the country, facilitated by FIFA instructor and consultant, Ashford Mamelodi of Mamelodi Consulting.

One of the participants

The objectives of the programme include the empowerment of leaders, both Regional Structures and Clubs, on the management of the game; engaging participants on the importance of Stakeholder management, as well as identifying for further training prospective national course instructors in Administration and Management, with a view that once qualified, they will continue to train up and coming Administrators in the Regions on football administration.

“We ought to have scientific modern day training methods to be able to compete globally and this course is the first block in fulfilling such milestones. The course is also a motivating factor to the administrators. We must understand that football is dynamic hence the need for refreshed dynamic administrators who can give us quality players by understanding the commercialized value of football. Through government, we have centres of excellence around the country to unearth talent hence it is very imperative that these athletes are nurtured by well-groomed administrators who understand how to handle a player of every age,” added Mbo.

Ashford Mamelodi of Mamelodi Consulting

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Central North Regional FA, Rebasikwa Mothowagae commended the leadership of the region particularly clubs for their steward excellence in grooming exceptional players in the past adding that it is now time to harness their skills even more with the ongoing Operation Time for Change course.

He said the time is now for all administrators to understand the commercialization aspect of football thus the key principles and modules of the 5-day course. Mothowagae was also happy that his region has also been fortunate to secure sponsorship which has been sustaining the regional office including other logistics.

“This is an opportune time for our football to restructure and position all its bodies, so they follow the regulations of footballing governing bodies such as COSAFA, CAF and FIFA. Our region is known for producing quality players from grassroots to well established. This clearly shows motivation and commitment from our clubs as they continue to inspire other footballers. I commend the BFA for the Operation Time for Change course which enables our administrators to further understand the ever-evolving football dynamics. We have a sponsor with Food Botswana and this course through its content we will understand the changing aspects of nurturing and retaining sponsors,” said Mothowagae.

One of the participants

FIFA instructor and consultant, Ashford Mamelodi of Mamelodi Consulting gave an overview of the course, emphasising that the BFA administration and technical will get stronger when all stakeholders are well equipped with effective modules that sustain football.

Mamelodi told the gathered delegates that recent appointments in football spaces should be a motivation that every delegate can become a future leader in football, citing an example of the recent appointments of the BFA Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Goabaone Taylor and FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura as significant milestones in football.

“This course started in 2019 and due to Covid-9 restrictions we had to slow down the regional induction. The good thing about this project is that it’s funded by FIFA and therefore funds were always going to be allocated to all regions. This course implies that the BFA is strong by its regions hence we have stakeholders’ management. We are looking for progressive leaders and I must applaud women participation as throughout this course I have seen their numbers grow. This commendable stroke is also motivated by the first woman BFA CEO Taylor,” said Mamelodi.

Central North Regional FA posing for a picture

One of the participants

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Botswana and Algeria Strengthen Sports Ties, with Football Development in Focus

Francistown, Botswana – The Honourable Minister of Sport & Arts, Mr. Jacob Kelebeng, recently welcomed a courtesy visit from Honourable Walid Sadi, Algeria’s Minister of Youth & Sports, along with His Excellency Ambassador Abdelmalek Tigharhar of Algeria.

The discussions centered on fostering collaboration between the two nations in sports development, with particular emphasis on Paralympics, football, boxing, and athletics. This engagement presents valuable opportunities for Botswana to benefit from Algeria’s advanced sporting infrastructure, training programs, and technical expertise.

As part of the visit, Honourable Sadi also met with BFA President Mr. Tariq Babitseng, alongside Minister Kelebeng. Discussions highlighted Algeria’s well-established football development structures, coaching programs, and talent identification pathways, which could serve as a benchmark for Botswana’s football growth strategy.

BFA President Emphasizes Football Development

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, BFA President Mr. Tariq Babitseng expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, noting that Botswana stands to gain valuable insights from Algeria’s football model.

“Football development remains a key priority for the BFA, and this engagement allows us to benchmark against one of Africa’s leading football nations. Algeria’s structured approach to grassroots football, coaching development, and high-performance training presents a great learning opportunity for Botswana. We are excited about the potential collaborations that will enhance our football structures and elevate the sport in the country,” said Babitseng.

The Minister was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Ms. Nancy Chengeta of the Ministry of Sport & Arts (MOSA), along with key sports leadership figures, including:

✅ BNSC Chairperson: Mr. Marumo Morule

✅ BNSC CEO: Mr. Tuelo D. Serufho

✅ BNSC Executive Management

✅ Botswana Football Association (BFA) Executives

✅ Various dignitaries and stakeholders

The BFA remains committed to building strategic international partnerships that contribute to the growth, professionalization, and long-term sustainability of football in Botswana.