By Duncan Kgangkenna

Copyright sundaystandard

The President of the Botswana Football Association (BFA), Tariq Babitseng, says the country will reap many benefits from hosting other nations’ international matches within its borders.

Botswana has opened doors to its neighbours, Namibia and Zimbabwe, to use Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown as their home ground. This comes as both countries do not have stadiums that meet CAF (Confederation of African Football) standards.

Namibia has hosted almost all of its international matches at the venue, while Zimbabwe will use it for its next World Cup qualifiers fixture against South Africa. Zimbabwe has previously been hosting its international matches in South Africa.

Babitseng says having both teams hosting their matches in Botswana is good ‘not just for football but for many other sectors of the economy as well.’ “We have to take advantage of this opportunity to show the world that we are capable, and our country can host such important matches.”

He adds that even though it is just two countries using Botswana’s stadium, they host different teams here. This helps to promote Botswana as a country, supports sports tourism, and builds cultural exchange among nations. “Most importantly, hosting these matches supports CAF’s vision of African unity. It also aligns with FIFA’s goal of ‘Unity for All,’” Babitseng added.

The BFA president believes this development proves football can be played anywhere and encourages cooperation between countries. “These matches help strengthen bilateral agreements between governments. Many of the countries playing here already have good relations with Botswana,” he says.

He expresses optimism that hosting these games will encourage the government to improve sports infrastructure, and perhaps build more stadiums. With better facilities, he believes local football will grow, and more people will take part – not just players, but also coaches and administrators.

“Since we started hosting foreign teams, the feedback has been very positive. That gives us confidence to do even more,” Babitseng says. He adds that when teams bring international players to Botswana, it inspires local players and fans. “These are players we usually see only on television. Seeing them in real life motivates our young players and excites the fans.”

Babitseng also called on the Francistown City Council to do more to support these events. “These matches help promote the city. The city leadership should take this chance to position Francistown as a top destination for hosting sports events.”

He further explains that local businesses also benefit a lot whenever international teams visit. “The business community gains – whether it’s in transport, hotels, restaurants, or even informal traders – everyone makes money during these matches.”

Looking ahead, Babitseng says BFA hopes to organize football clinics with visiting teams. These clinics would give back to the local football community and strengthen international relations.

While at it, the BFA will also be seeking to gain something from the international games hosted in the country by neighbouring countries. The BFA already has a business wing called Lekidi Investments, which they want to use to manage and organize these matches better. “We want to grow the business side of football and make sure everything is done professionally,” the BFA president says.

Babitseng says the BFA is ready to keep pushing forward and make Botswana a football destination.