The newly elected Nhabe Regional Football Association (NRFA) Executive Committee Chairperson, Matshelo Setsile, has urged all local football stakeholders to collaborate harmoniously for the rapid development of football in the Nhabe Region.
Setsile made this passionate plea during the Nhabe Regional Football Association Elective Congress held in Maun over the course of the weekend, in which the new NRFA Executive Committee that will steer regional administration for the 2026–2030 term was officially elected.
Outlining his agenda, the new Chairperson prioritized developing the plot allocated to the NRFA to address the region’s acute shortage of football pitches. He also revealed plans to secure corporate sponsorships for both the NRFA Division 1 League and the Independence Cup, noting that preliminary engagements with the local business community are already underway to assist.
Furthermore, Setsile stressed that part of his mandate includes ensuring that regional club officials enroll in the Botswana Football Association (BFA) development and coaching courses. As the newly installed leader, he emphasised his openness to progressive decisions that drive football development across the Nhabe territory.
In the leadership race, Setsile secured the chairmanship with 15 votes, outpolling rivals Andrew Mudongo and Norman Majama, who garnered 13 votes and 4 votes respectively.
For the position of vice-chairperson, Tapologo Masake narrowly emerged victorious after securing 17 votes against the 15 votes collected by challenger Kebonyekgosi Juta.
Incumbent Secretary Maipelo Malatlhe retained her post, defeating Alogang Radihephi by 21 votes to 11. Meanwhile, Michael Nkweetsile clinched the Vice Secretary position with 23 votes, comfortably outpolling Elizabeth Joseph who collected 9 votes. Malebogo Bojosi won re-election as an additional member by securing 13 votes against Bokamoso Molokwane’s 11.
The remaining contestants for the additional member slots, Welcome Patrick and Sekano Bodio, finished the race with 5 votes and 3 votes respectively. Delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the NRFA Annual General Meeting, Terraworx (Pty) Ltd Director, Andrian Van der Merwe, challenged corporate entities within Nhabe to partner with the association and actively fund regional football development. He noted that sports sponsorship should not be viewed as charity, but rather as a strategic corporate investment that builds brand equity, fosters consumer loyalty, and connects businesses with the community’s heartbeat.
“It is worth noting that sponsorship opportunities exist for our clubs individually and the ability to attract such support depends greatly on how each club conducts itself. Sponsors are drawn to clubs that demonstrate good governance, maintain accountability in their operations, and can present a well-documented and organised fan base,” he stated.
He urged all Nhabe-based teams to institutionalize their structures, maintain meticulous records, and govern themselves with absolute integrity, describing professional conduct as the ultimate gateway to corporate partnerships and sustainable financial backing.
“To the chairman and the entire executive of the NRFA I commend you for your dedication, your sacrifices, and your relentless effort to administer football at the regional level. The work you do often goes unnoticed, but it is the very backbone that holds this sport together. Assemblies such as this one are a testament to your commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance,” Van der Merwe concluded in his final remarks.
