In his bid to lead the Botswana Football Association (BFA) into a new era of transparency and accountability, Tariq Babitseng has laid out an ambitious vision should he be elected as the next BFA president. The election, scheduled for September 14 in Palapye, will see Babitseng contest against incumbent Maclean Letshwiti and challenger Masego Ntshingane.
Babitseng’s campaign is focused on restoring stakeholder confidence through a commitment to good corporate governance and open communication. “My leadership will address these gaps by restoring trust, ensuring accountability, and delivering on the promises made to our football community,” Babitseng stated in his recently released manifesto. He emphasised the importance of regular engagement with regional associations, clubs, partners, and sponsors to build a culture of transparency and accountability within the BFA.
His platform also highlights ethical governance, with a pledge to uphold integrity and comply with both BFA statutes and national laws. He criticised the current administration for its governance shortcomings and weak stakeholder relations, despite progress in youth development and international partnerships. “While the current administration has made strides in youth development and international partnerships, significant shortcomings remain in governance, transparency, and stakeholder relations,” he said.
One of Babitseng’s key proposals is to establish technical centers in strategic regions across Botswana, offering world-class training facilities for players, coaches, and referees. He also promised to prioritise the construction of additional playing fields to ensure that all regions have access to quality infrastructure.
“Our goal is to make Botswana a competitive force in African football, with a national team that consistently performs at the highest levels,” Babitseng noted.
A major aspect of his vision is to improve Botswana’s international football rankings and secure strategic partnerships that will elevate the country’s standing on the global stage. Babitseng believes these efforts will position Botswana as a formidable competitor in African football.
Another cornerstone of Babitseng’s campaign is promoting gender equality in football. He promises to empower women’s football by involving women in key decision-making roles and providing dedicated resources to develop the women’s league.
“We will ensure that girls have equal opportunities to participate in youth football programs while implementing robust safeguarding measures to protect their well-being,” Babitseng affirmed.
Additionally, Babitseng plans to invest in youth leagues across all 17 regions under the BFA’s jurisdiction. By enhancing youth competitions and improving training facilities, he aims to build a strong foundation for Botswana football’s future.
“Investing in our youth is investing in the future of our football. We must provide young talent with the resources and opportunities they need to grow,” he said.
Babitseng is well-versed in football administration. His journey began in 2008 as chairman of Masitaoka FC, and he has since held several positions within the BFA, including Vice President of Administration and Acting CEO. He played a critical role in securing sponsorships from major companies like Bank ABC, Debswana, and Mascom, strengthening the financial stability of football competitions in Botswana. During his tenure, the Zebras achieved their highest FIFA ranking, and the U17 team qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time.
“These milestones were not just personal achievements but collective victories for all who share a passion for football in Botswana,” Babitseng reflected.
