17 Jun 2013

Botswana Football Association (BFA) National Executive Committee (NEC) member and South East regional chairperson, Charles Chilisa has been described by family, colleagues and friends as a man of integrity who stood by his words.

One of the speakers at his funeral in Makuta on Saturday, Keleagetse Tema described Chilisa as one of the most influential people in his village. He said their settlement was the first to be installed with electricity although they did not qualify since they were referred as lands for Nswazwi.

But because of the  influence of the Chilisa, who instead of waiting for Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) to bring poles for the power line, he brought them himself, hence Makuta was electrified before the main village.

Tema further noted that despite him residing far away in the city and with his tight schedule being a football man, his presence was felt in the village as he participated in all the activities for the development of the village through constant communication.

BFA vice president for administration, Boyce Sebetela said the football fraternity was mourning at the sudden loss of one of their own, who had football at his heart and fought for things to be done in the right manner.

Sebetela said they managed to correct many wrongs through his help adding that although being a member of the executive committee, he was visible more on the ground than on the board. “Chilisa was unstoppable when he wanted to express himself no matter how much it will take him,” added Sebetlela.

Sharing similar sentiments as other speakers, his friend who represented friends of football Phillimon Makhwengwe said Chilisa was also a father figure to many.

Chilisa was also the brains behind Sharps football club, a team he formed by grouping young boys from Old Naledi in an effort to take them away from the streets.

Makhwengwe said the deceased helped groom and develop professional sportsmen many of whom are playing in big clubs in the country today. ENDS