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| Notswane and Santos players during a league match. Notwane survived relegation while Santos was relegated to first division in the 2013/14 season. |
The
relegation of Uniao Flamego Santos to Debswana first division and the annual
near-relegation of Notwane FC should be recognised as a tragedy to Botswana
football. It should never be swept away
as a by-product of beMOBILE remier League competition dynamics.
Both
of the teams are special clubs with a long commitment to player development,
something which even our own Botswana Football Association (BFA) has failed to
match at any level. Currently there are graduates of the development programs
of either Santos or Notwane in the top premier league sides. If at all success
in the premier league was based on the products of these development programs,
then two would by all accounts be the richest clubs in the country.
As
such, exploiters benefit from their hard work and are sitting at the top of the
local game, somehow aided and supported by BFA. BFA ignore their own role in
recognising the efforts of those who take development seriously as stipulated
by world football overlords at FIFA.
The
two clubs have been running development programs for over two decades now and
it is indeed a huge financial as well as a moral commitment to the football
fraternity. The commitment demonstrates
not only a higher vision but also a deep affection for the game of football that
goes way beyond quick money. Great contributors like Sexton Kowa should not be
left to fight their own battles in an unregulated minefield controlled by
player dealers.
It
all starts with those in with power among the BFA and they should realise the
special role which Notwane and Santos occupy. In addition, they should create
conditions which will encourage others to follow the same path. The two clubs are
in danger of perishing, and that means the same for the entire future of
Botswana football. KP
