The construction of the ground was done through the FIFA Forward Development Programme and at a cost of cost $390,996 (around P4 million). Through its partnership with the Slovakia Football Association (SFA), the BFA also built an ablution block for P426,000.

BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti said the two facilities will come in handy for the association’s development programmes that were recently accredited by FIFA. The accreditation comes with the need for more financial support, he said.

“The minister has always asked why the ministry should continue to pump money into football, but like I have already motioned since (FIFA president, Gianni) Infantino got into office two years ago, integrity is back in football, all the perpetrators will be brought to book and this is a step forward hence why I ask the minister that we need a football university here in Botswana,” he said.  The Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture Development, Thapelo Olopeng said football has proven to be a sport that can be turned into a career.

He said to make this possible, there should be proper development structures and lauded both the FIFA and SFA for

the gesture. He said this will help the BFA grow and nurture talent in the country.

“For us to achieve this feat, we should focus on grassroots development, to identify and nurture talent amongst young people. It is possible that those who are identified from a young age and given all the necessary support, can excel and become career football players,” he said.

FIFA development officer, David Fani said the pitch would strengthen the BFA’s development programmes, which are already in place. He said FIFA assists member associations in line with their needs.

This is not the end for FIFA, so I would like to urge the BFA to continue to submit their proposals to FIFA and they will be assisted through funds put in place for such projects. In football, you can never have enough, so there is need for more facilities in order to develop the sport across the country,” he said. SFA also donated eight playing kits that will be dispersed to youth teams in remote areas. The facilities are to be used by the national teams and for the ongoing BFA development league.

 

Source: mmegi.bw

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