Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Gender and Culture- Kitso Kemoeng, has justified government’s position on an apparent match-fixing scandal involving Botswana Football Association (BFA) officials, noting that they are not interfering in football matters, but rather protecting sports development.
The Ministry has since issued a statement regarding an audio clip circulating on social media between BFA officials, discussing possibilities of influencing the outcome of a football game.
The leaked conversation is between BFA General Manager, Monnakgotla Mojaki, and one of the top referees, Joshua Bondo, as they were discussing a game between current log leaders, Jwaneng Galaxy and second placed Gaborone United.
BFA has since placed Mojaki on leave pending the investigations.
Bondo is already on suspension by the football body CAF for six weeks for failure to follow up inaccurate reporting on Competition Management System (CMS) when officiating the AFCON qualifier game between Benin and Rwanda.
Bondo’s Assistants, Mogomotsi Morakile, Kitso Sibanda and Tshepo Gobagoba, received 3 months suspension.
The four Match officials have also been suspended from officiating in the domestic matches by the BFA until further notice.
Speaking to Voice Sport, Kemoeng said the ministry strongly condemns what was depicted by the audio clip.
He said Botswana is currently working on the bid to host the AFCON 2027 and that this kind of conduct soils the reputation of football.
“We call on the association to get to the bottom of the matter and take stern action against anybody who is found guilty of any form of misconduct in this case. It is not the interference of the government on football matters. That is just making a statement, advising and adding our voice. Unfortunately when this happens the public expects us to give guidance and we cannot just ignore it. We want our sport to stay away from any suspicious acts of misconduct,” said Kemong
For his part the BFA Secretary General, Mfolo Mfolo, said the investigations are still at a preliminary stage.
He however confirmed that Mojaki was on leave until further notice.
Mfolo said a team of independent people started the investigations this Monday and expected to finish in two weeks.