Athletics’ Bantsi, Botlhale go head-to-head
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday March 4, 2023 06:00
Former BAA president, Moses Bantsi has thrown his name in the hat to tackle incumbent, Paphane Botlhale who is seeking re-election. Bantsi, together with his vice president, the late Roland Masalila and secretary-general, Legojane Kebaitse left their positions unceremoniously in 2017. Bantsi, who is the current Confederation of Africa Athletics (CAA) vice president, has been nominated by Lefika Athletics Club, while the University of Botswana Athletics Club submitted Botlhale's name. Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Bantsi said it was only right for him to seek another chance to lead athletics. “Some clubs approached me and pleaded with me to come back. Of course there are some who still trust the current leadership because of the sponsorship that athletics received. But there are still some problems that should be sorted out,” he said. Bantsi said he would have a conversation with all the 24 affiliates.
Efforts to reach Botlhale did not bear fruit as his cell phone was off. Another interesting comeback is that of Legojane of Palapye Athletics Club and Kenneth Kikwe from Orapa Athletics Club who are eyeing the position of vice president-sport development. Kikwe and Legojane will challenge current position holder, Tshepo Kelaotswe of Sports View Runners Club. Kikwe and Kelaotswe met during the 2019 elections, which ended in a tie and had to be settled by Botlhale as president. Legojane said he was not ready to discuss his interest in returning to the BAA board. “I cannot talk about the elections at the moment. There are some things I want to sort out first. Contact me next week,” he said.
The elections committee concluded the vetting process after submissions reached the Monday deadline. According to the BAA elections committee secretary, Donald Steady canvassing for elections opened yesterday and will go on until March 17. “You are requested to campaign in a fair and responsible manner that will not tarnish the name or reputation of the Association and its stakeholders,” Steady said in a letter to the affiliates. Major Edward Joseph of BDF Athletics Club will take on incumbent Oabona Theetso from Jwaneng Club for the post of vice president-sport administration while Raymond Phale (Francistown Club) is unopposed for the position of vice president-finance and administration. Candidates for the position of chairperson for South Central region are Tebatso Omphithetse from Gaborone Runners Club and Doctor Eric Mandawu of Sports View runners Club.
The position of chairperson-Southern region has attracted four candidates being Philander Villander (Sports View), Ontshedile Ramatshogwana (Molepolole), Keamogetse Rancholo (Gaborone) and Kago Tladinyane (Ramotswa). Mpho Bagwasi (New Vision) and Moses Raphutse (Mmadinare) will battle it out off for the position of chairperson-Central region. The chairperson for North region position competition is between Isaac Mbise (Francistown) and Amogelang Masugae of Maun BDF Club.