17 Jan 2016

The Dean of Law at Ba Isago University College, Lizo Ngcongco says there is a compelling need to improve the literacy base of football players to increase access to education and training.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Footballers Union of Botswana (FUB) and the Private Tertiary Institution Association (PTIA) on Friday, Ngcongco said there was also a need to identify post football employment and career opportunities for football players.

He said throughout the history of Botswana, generations of players had dazzled the nation with their skill on the field only to sink into oblivion and poverty “once the sun has set” in their careers.

Ba Isago, he said, was proud to be associated with the signing of MOU as they would give meaningful purpose and value to Botswana players.

The PTIA president, Keorapetse Setlhare said the association was formed in 2009 with a mandate of developing sports amongst private tertiary institutions.

He said considering their common interest in sports development with FUB, they had decided to work together by signing an agreement which would run for two years to be reviewed every three years. Setlhare said without the assistance of associations such as PTIA, FUB would resonate like an empty shell.

“From today we need to see FUB as a respected institution that fights a daily battle, everywhere where professional and semi-professional football is being rightfully played to equip players with necessary skills.”

Setlhare further said through the agreement there would never be any difference between the most well-known players plying their trade in the South African and European leagues, adding that the agreement would also help the anonymous players in order to allow them to step out from the shadow and practice their profession under the best possible conditions.

The FUB honorary president, Dipsy Selolwane said the signing of MOU marks a new direction in football.

He said there were professional footballers who quit schools and their job to play football, adding that players could only play football for a limited time

“I  retired two years ago, I am in a transition of getting back into the normal life. Maybe I must be a journalist one day, but this period of transition is  key and if you are not well equipped, unfortunately the same support will forget about you,” he said

Selolwane further said the partnership between FUB and PTIA marks a new path, and that they would want to encourage the players and future players to stay in school and work hard because education was a tool that could not be left behind. Ends