20 Oct 2026

The Botswana Football Association (BFA) in partnership with Bakwena Community Development Trust (BCDT) and other key local stakeholders has launched the construction of a FIFA Arena mini-pitch project in Molepolole.

The project is a localised effort under FIFA’s broader global development initiative and is part of a global campaign by FIFA to install 1 000 accessible mini-pitches in schools and communities globally by 2031. 

Situated on an allotted 100x70 metre plot behind Mafenyatlala Mall, the facility will feature a standard 20x40 metre community football pitch. 

It is designed to benefit primary school pupils aged four to 14 years. More than that 2 500 children across 11 schools within the local catchment area are expected to utilise the sporting space.

Delivering the opening remarks at the ground breaking ceremony recently, Kgosi Kgari Sechele III conceded that while there were many developmental milestones the community wished for, systematic hurdles often stood in the way of achievement.

He commended the stakeholders, who came on board to bypass difficult bureaucratic systems, expressing optimism that children would benefit immensely from the programme.

Providing the project overview, BCDT Board chairperson, Reverend Mosweu Simane revealed that the plot chosen for the precinct was a commercial land that the Trust had initially reserved for lucrative commercial interests, including the construction of the proposed Mafenyatlala hotel.

However, the BCDT leadership saw it fit to pivot and partner with the BFA, recognising that alternatives venues considered by the football governing body faced severe limitations.

Rev. Simane reassured stakeholders that despite sacrificing a portion of the land for the social cause, the strategic partnership would still allow the village trust to introduce secondary commercial activities to generate revenue.

BFA president, Tariq Babitseng highlighted that FIFA Arena initiative aimed to bridge inequalities in sports access by embedding safe, dedicated football facilities directly into underprivileged communities.

Rather than just building infrastructure, Babitseng noted that the programme focuses on creating inclusive, secure environments where children could play freely, cultivate their sporting talent, and enjoy the physical benefits of sports.

“The project is built on a simple belief: every child should have the opportunity to play football, and where a child lives should not determine whether that opportunity is available to them,’’ he stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Sport and Arts, the Director of the Department of Recreation, Moeti Godisamang stressed that government primary mandate remained facilitating sport development and recreation through sound policy direction.

“We believe that through a development structure like this one, we will build a pipeline of athletes who will be able to transition from the junior to the senior level and ultimately represent our country at a higher level,” he said. Beyond the pitch, the precinct is expected to act as a major economic catalyst for Kweneng region. Godisamang highlighted that under the Botswana Economic Transformation Program (BETP), sport has been prioritised as a key sector targeted to drive the national economy.

In an interview, BFA Project Consultant, Molefi Obenne explained that FIFA was providing full soccer playground packages, including premium artificial turf, perimeter fencing and child-safe containment structures.

According to Obenne, the current development agreement with FIFA mandates the construction of two pilot facilities in Botswana, one in Molepolole and another in Maun.

The Molepolole mini arena pitch is slated for completion within 90 days, targeting a handover date of January 5, 2027.

Obenne added that if the first two infrastructure projects were successfully delivered on schedule, FIFA would unlock funding to add three more mini-arenas in other towns and villages across the nation. Molepolole South, Member of Parliament, Shima Monageng applauded BFA president for choosing Kweneng region as a host site for the mini football arena. 

Monageng noted that the selection of Molepolole for a project of such magnitude was a monumental decision that would undoubtedly go down in history.

He emphasised that the project was designed to serve the public good, therefore its long term success relied on collective responsibility and careful management by the entire public. ENDS