Former Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng is amongst applicants for the Botswana Football Association (BFA) chief executive officer's (CEO) post.
Reikeletseng is BNSC’s longest-serving chairperson, having held the position between 2011 to 2019. He served under four ministers, Shaw Kgathi, Vincent Seretse, Thapelo Olopeng and briefly under Tshekedi Khama.
He has been away from the sporting spotlight since he quit under a cloud in 2019. The former entrepreneur, who has endured a difficult period in recent years, is keen to bounce back to sports administration.
He had appeared assured in his role until he quit in a shock move after Khama took over as the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development in 2019. Reikeletseng confirmed he had applied for the BFA top post.
“I have applied as a patriot. I think I need to continue breaking boundaries, ensuring that the new (BFA) leadership runs and succeeds particularly in these trying times. There is direction from the leadership but they need a strong person,” he said. Under his watch, the BNSC’s
grant increased and national team allowances were introduced.
The Hall of Fame was his brainchild, so was stadiums falling under the ownership of BNSC. Reikeletseng believes his recent trials and tribulations have provided vital life lessons.
“The recent issues are skeletons from the past. They have been dealt with. I have no criminal record. Anything happens to anybody at any given time. It’s a plus for me to have gone through what I went through, there are so many lessons that I have learnt. BFA and I are like Siamese twins, we have gone through challenges,” he said.
Other candidates mentioned as interested in the post include former Multichoice CEO, Billy Sekgororoane and ex-Btv general manager, Raymond Tsheko. A recruitment agency is handling the search to fill the position left vacant following the departure of Mfolo Mfolo in December. The BFA is expected to appoint a new CEO next month.
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