14 Aug 2021

National Under 20 football team coach, Keitumetse 'Pio' Paul has died.

A press release from Botswana Football Association (BFA) says the 48-year old Paul succumbed to COVID-19 related complications yesterday.
 
Pio, as Paul was affectionately known, played for the national football team, The Zebras, between 1995-2002.
 
BFA president,  Maclean Letshwiti, said the country and football family had lost a diligent servant of the game.
 
“Pio will be remembered as a prominent football legend who has been involved in football until his death. He was the BFA National Under-20 coach and an upright legend who had dedicated all his life to the game of football. We have truly lost a legend whom many were still going to learn a lot from. He was truly a remarkable person, full of strength, love, passion for the game. Our deepest condolences go to his wife and children and all his family and friends. the whole football community and the country at large will remember Pio as a dedicated footballer of time!,” said Letshwiti.
 
BFA's chief executive officer (CEO), Goabaone Taylor said 'on behalf of Botswana Football Association, we send our deepest condolences to Mr. Keitumetse Pio Paul’s family and friends and the whole football community. Pio will be remembered for the dedication and passion he had for the game, many years as a player and many years as Coach.”
 
Among the teams that Pio Paul played for is Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Chico Rooks and Uniao Flamengo Santos.

Prior to his untimely demise, Paul had already begun U-20 preparations ahead of the commencement of the Under-20 COSAFA tournament in December.