Botswana’s Zebras struggling to repeat 2012 Afcon success

Bright argues that the number of foreign coaches at clubs in Botswana, some of whom have not added value, has affected the progress of the local game.

“If you look at it, there are too many foreign coaches, and this has affected the style of our players,” he told BBC Sport.

“As a result, we do not have as many players abroad, which would otherwise improve our game.”

In recent years there have been as many as 10 top-flight clubs out of 16 with foreign coaches but that trend seems to be changing with six at the moment.

Selolwane, regarded as one of the finest players to emerge from Botswana, believes the leadership should involve former players in the national team set-up, in order to improve results.

“There is a need to regroup and salvage the generation that qualified for the 2012 Nations Cup finals,” he urged football authorities.

“Bring them closer to the FA to play a role somehow. Players today are not at the level they could be, given what is available for them – they are stuck in the past,”

He agrees with Bright that more players need to go overseas which would ultimately enhance the quality of the national side.

“The more we export players, the better the Zebras will be. International exposure helps develop our football,” he insisted.

“We have to aspire to be the best and you cannot be the best when you are playing locally,” said Selolwane who played for Santos, Supersport and University of Pretoria in South Africa’s top league.

Former coach Butler believes the BFA has to go back and look at the development program which he introduced.

“It is a 10 year program providing a conveyor belt of talent,” he insisted.

“It worked, it still works but the problem is that there is currently no plan, whatsoever.”

Current BFA president, Maclean Letshwiti is of the view that grassroots development will bring lasting results.