The Botswana Football Association (BFA) is cagey on former president Ian Khama’s position as the patron for the football mother body. For years, Khama has been the patron of the association but due to his recent troubles, he left the country in 2021 and is now staying in South Africa.

His return date remains unknown amid a warrant of arrest hanging over his head.

There has been no official communication from the BFA on Khama’s situation but Khama’s last public involvement with BFA was when he officiated at the association’s assembly in August 2018.

In an interview with Mmegi Sport last year, Khama indicated he had no intention to step down as his absence was temporary.

“It (my absence) does not affect it one way or the other just as my positions on anything else,” he said.

At the time he said he was not contemplating quitting the position, despite his situation. “No, I don’t because it is temporary (my absence) but that does not prevent the association from withdrawing my patronage if they wish to,” he said. Like last year, BFA

CEO Mfolo Mfolo preferred not to comment on the subject. “It is a matter I am constrained to respond to,” Mfolo briefly said in response to Mmegi Sport’s inquiries on Khama’s position within the BFA.According to the BNSC, “Patrons are supposed to be figureheads

of National Spot Associations who people hold with the utmost respect.

They serve to promote the sport, provide guidance and advice as well as assist on matters of sponsorship solicitation and conflict resolution, amongst other things.”