Chess, swimming head to the polls
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday July 28, 2025 09:34
Chess will be in Palapye where president, Mooketsi Segaise will not seek re-election. Kutlwano Tatolo, who is unopposed, is expected to replace Segaise and be at the federation's wheel for the next four years. Speaking to MmegiSport, Segaise said the main reason for not seeking re-election is to give others a chance to contribute and that he has other interests that will take up much of his time. 'It was not smooth sailing, considering the number of challenges we had, the main one being inactivity of school sport. Yes, you factor in the COVID-19's domino effect on businesses generally, you would then naturally expect a tough one on the sponsorship front,' he said. At one point, Segaise and his executive committee had to navigate and survive a motion of no confidence that was passed against them. Some members of the executive committee, vice president-administration, Jeremiah Dikgang, vice president-technical, Khutsafalo Moses, and PRO Dave Tshabi resigned along the way, as instability threatened to rock chess' boat. Segaise explained that he would not call it clubs being hostile but rather a few individuals with their own personal egos to soothe.
'And if you proceed from that premise then whatever hostile takeover or coup d'état you attempt would never succeed, that is why those attempts failed,' he said. The outgoing president said clubs must stand up and be up to speed with their constitutional obligations. He said clubs must be aware that the constitution does not only speak to the executive committee but to them as well, more so that clubs are the major stakeholders of the very document. In the position for vice president-technical, Thabo Gumpo, Ranko Kesiilwe, and Pudungwane Lesole, have raised their hands for election. Oabona Keabofe and Pako Moloi will battle it out for the vice president-administration position. The race for the post of secretary-general pits Kgalalelo Botlhole against Kabelo Masale. Botlhole and Kebalepile Francis will battle for the treasurer's post. Thompson Modisane is unopposed as technical and ratings director, Thompson Modisane.
In the position for public relations director, Goitsemodimo Makgatle and Dudu Olefile will face-off. Thapelo Molefe and Lorato Thapelo are the candidates for development director. Meanwhile, Kgaotsang Matthews is unchallenged as swimming president. 'The main reason I stood again was for continuity. The BSSA has made a great deal of progress, but there is still more work to be done and I am up for the challenge, given a good and capable team and support network,' said Matthews. Meanwhile, BSSA secretary-general, Puni Gaetsewe said most of the executive committee members will not seek a second term. 'I could say it is a peaceful transition. It seems like clubs had a conversation before submitting candidate names because the majority of the positions are unopposed,' she said.