- He is arguably the longest serving BFA CEO
- Mfolo has served under two BFA presidents
Mfolo Mfolo, the stalwart CEO of the Botswana Football Association (BFA), is set to bow out next month as his contract expires, closing the chapter on one of the most enduring and dynamic leadership eras in the history of Botswana’s football scene.
Having steered the ship under two BFA presidents, Maclean Letshwiti and the current Oabile Tariq Babitseng, Mfolo has been the heartbeat of the Lekidi Football Centre for years. His tenure has seen the association through waves of change, controversy, and crucial reform. His exit signals the end of an era for the BFA, where he stands tall as arguably the longest-serving CEO in its history.
WeekendSport has learned that Mfolo will not be pursuing a contract renewal, despite maintaining good relations with the current BFA brass. Sources close to the veteran administrator reveal that he feels he has “done his part” for Botswana football and is ready to pass the baton to fresh leadership.
“He believes he has contributed enough to the game and wants to pave the way for other administrators,” a source confided to this publication.
When reached for comment, Mfolo said he was not at liberty to discuss whether he was leaving the position or not, and referred this publication to the BFA president for clarification.
Mfolo’s journey hasn’t been without its storms. In November 2020, he faced suspension following the embarrassing disqualification of the national Under-17 boys’ team from the COSAFA regional tournament. The team was barred after the BFA failed to administer the mandatory MRI tests required by CAF and COSAFA, a blunder that shook the association. The BFA National Executive Committee swiftly responded by appointing a trio; Dr. George Mokone, Mothusi Taolo, and Lore Morapedi, to investigate the fiasco.
A December 5 press release stated, “BFA NEC has today, Saturday, December 5th, agreed to mutually part ways with its CEO, Mfolo Mfolo. The two parties pronounced the parting of ways as an amicable agreement.” Many insiders believe that the Under-17 incident was a convenient trigger for the BFA to part ways with Mfolo, who had by then fallen out of favor with the leadership.
Mfolo’s association with the BFA began in 2017, initially on a two-year secondment from the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research Science and Technology. After a turbulent period, March 2022 saw Mfolo called back to steady the ship once more following the dismissal of Goabaone Taylor. His return to the Lekidi Football Centre was seen as a move to restore stability and get the association back on track.
In a recent twist, this publication has learned that Mfolo, alongside sports heavyweights Game Mothibi and Olebile Sikwane, threw his hat in the ring for the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) CEO role. Despite his vast experience, the nod went to veteran sports administrator Olebile Sikwane, appointed by the Minister of Sport and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng. Sikwane is set to take up the reins in mid-January 2026 on a four-year contract.
Mfolo’s departure marks the close of a remarkable chapter, one filled with highs, lows, and a deep commitment to the beautiful game in Botswana.
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