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What is Safeguarding

Jul 14, 2023

Many children and young people take part in football activities almost every day across the country. Children play for fun, young people may participate for development programmes whilst others may be their chosen career path as athletes, coaches, administrators, referees, etc. Football as sport may be used as a vehicle for diverting youth from anti-social or criminal behaviour.

Safeguarding refers to the actions taken to ensure that children, young people and vulnerable adults are safe from harm when involved in football activities.

Child protection is an import part of safeguarding and it refers to set of activities that are required for specific children who are at risk or are suffering from harm.

Safeguarding ensures that everyone’s rights are respected regardless of their age, gender, race, sexuality, etc. Children also have the right to participate in football in a safe and enjoyable environment.

It has been noted that for the past years children and young people have been victims of all forms of violence. FIFA through their vision of globalising football made commitment to make sure that they promote sport is safe as an effort to protect human rights. One the cornerstone of the commitments was through the FIFA Guarding Safeguarding Program where it equipped its affiliated Member Associations with knowledge with expectation that they will prevent any form of harm to children and respond appropriately.

The aim of safeguarding is to;

Help create a safe sporting environment for children and young people whenever they participate in football
Provide clarity on safeguarding to all involved in football
Promote good practice and challenge poor practices that are harmful
Assist football leaders and funders to make informed decisions

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CAF Head of Safety and Security and BFA President Pay Courtesy Visit to Police Leadership

In a significant gesture of collaboration and partnership, Dr. Christian Emeruwa, the Head of Safety and Security for the Confederation of African Football (CAF), along with Botswana Football Association (BFA) President Mr. Tariq T. Babitseng and BFA Chief Operations Officer Mr. Kago Mosinyi, paid a courtesy visit to the Botswana Police Service. The visit aimed to strengthen the relationship between the two organizations, focusing on the integral role that the police play in ensuring the safety and security of all BFA competitions.

During the visit, the delegation met with integral pool of experts a group of key police leaders, who are central to the successful execution of security operations at football events across the country. Among those present were prominent members of the Botswana Police Service, including Mr. Katlholo Mosimanegape, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and several senior officers.

These included Senior Assistant Commissioner Antony Wally (Director of Operations), Senior Assistant Commissioner Godfrey Phonchi (Commander, SSG), Senior Assistant Commissioner Boeletswe Gobotswang (Director, Departmental Services), Senior Assistant Commissioner Reginald Matlhaba (Divisional Commander, South Central), Senior Assistant Commissioner Mudongo Chitutu (Director, Crime Intelligence), and Assistant Commissioner Christopher B. Ndlovu (Deputy Director of Traffic).

The meeting was focused on discussing the coordination and support provided by the police in delivering effective safety and security measures during BFA matches, as well as future collaboration on upcoming projects. The visit highlighted the importance of this partnership in ensuring smooth and secure football matches for both players and spectators.

Both Dr. Emeruwa and Mr. Babitseng expressed their gratitude for the continued cooperation and commitment of the Botswana Police Service in safeguarding the integrity of football events and ensuring the safety of all involved.