New sheriff in Botswana football, Tariq Babitseng has withdrawn the leadership of Maclean Letshwiti at the Botswana Football Association presidency to take the reins at Lekidi Football Centre at the recent elective general assembly held in Palapye on September 14, 2024.
In a fiercely contested battle, Letshwiti who was seeking third term in office withdrew from the race after round one’s failure to produce outright winner with 70% majority.
After round one, Babittseng scored 21 while Letshwiti had 16 with the dark horse Masego Nchingane with 1 vote.
The arrival of Babitseng has drawn attention of FIFA president Gianni Infantino to congratulate the new man at the helm. He said Babitseng can count on his support to advance football in Botswana.
“Your knowledge, passion,leadership and experience will undoubtedly an important impact in the development of football in Botswana. Convinced of the potential football in your country, you can count on my personal support and the help of FIFA to achieve its goal. Our doors are always open whenever you want to discuss our sport”, said Infantino in a statement.
Furthermore, the CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe has also shared the same sentiments, reminding Babitseng to remember the football membership in his reign as the FA president. “Your election is a testament of the trust and confidence that the membership have on you, I therefore congratulate you are your national executive committee on your triumph”, noted Dr Motsepe.
Meanwhile BFA president Babitseng has had a busy week meeting important stakeholders and on a familiarization tour. He has met with government representatives, sponsors of the BFA among others. His tour prompted the National league to be postponed by further a week to align his agenda with all involved parties.