05 Mar 2025

Club National Safety and Security Officers (NSSO) have been urged to adhere and understand the Confederation of African Football (CAF) safety and security operation.

Speaking at the start of a three-day NSSO workshop in Francistown yesterday, CAF Instructor Nokuthula Vilakati said the security operation was not only about erecting barriers and patrolling grounds, but creating a fortress of safety, a haven for players, officials, and the thousands of passionate supporters who flocked to stadia.

“Imagine the roar of the crowd, the vibrant energy of a packed stadium, the excitement of a decisive goal. But imagine, too, the fear that could quickly overwhelm that atmosphere if we are unprepared,” she said.

She explained that the concept was designed to minimise that fear through meticulous planning, proactive measures, and the unwavering commitment to every single person present. Vilakati, who outlined the importance of crowd management techniques, also highlighted the necessity of early threat assessments, and emphasising the crucial role of communication.

“We need a seamless network of communication between security teams, medical personnel, and the stadium management, ensuring that every response is timely and coordinated,” she added.

She said the safety and security concept is not a one-size-fits-all blueprint but a living document, adaptable to the unique challenges of each host city and in each match. Vilakati showed examples of past successes, narrating instances where preemptive measures had averted potential crises, and how a proactive approach had fostered a sense of security that resonated with spectators.

She said the responsibility extended beyond the game and that a safe and secure environment created a positive image for the tournament, a testament to the commitment to athletes, fans and shared passion for football. Also, she said it built trust, which was the cornerstone of a successful tournament.

“We are the guardians of the experience. We are the ambassadors of safety and security. Let us uphold this responsibility with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to our shared goal,” she said.

In his virtual address, Botswana Football Association (BFA) president, Tariq Babitseng said safety and security were not optional.

“Without safe stadia, we risk losing fans, alienating sponsors, and jeopardising the future of the beautiful game itself,” he noted.

Babitseng said having the workshop was not about ticking boxes or simply fulfilling regulatory requirements, but it was about fostering a culture of safety, integrating it into the very fabric of the game at every level, from grassroots to the professional leagues.

He expressed pride in Francistown’s long-standing role as a football hub, citing its welcoming atmosphere and hospitality as key reasons the BFA repeatedly selected the city to host significant events. Babitseng therefore said the investment in safety and security was an investment in the future of football in Botswana.

Meanwhile, participants questioned why Botswana, despite its passion for football, only had one CAF-certified safety and security officer, compared to Namibia’s significantly larger contingent. They said the imbalance represented a serious oversight by the BFA, suggesting a lack of sufficient investment in the safety and wellbeing of players, officials and spectators.

While participants welcomed the informative workshop, describing it as ‘an eye-opener’, they felt it was merely a temporary fix to a much larger systemic issue.

Match commissioner, Obvious Moyo’s said the current level of security at Botswana stadia was ‘very risky’, underscoring the urgent need for more trained personnel. The participants’ overall message was a call for the BFA to treat football with the seriousness it deserved, beginning with a substantial increase in its safety and security personnel.

Participants believed the current situation left Botswana’s football infrastructure vulnerable and its future uncertain. ENDS