Keotsene returns as Volleyball president
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday September 3, 2025 09:18
However, it was difficult to read the room as affiliates kept it to themselves while the plan was in motion. Following the lunch break, the affiliates held a brief meeting, on which a motion of no confidence was brought against the executive committee to bring its tenure to an end.
The ousted committee’s term of office was to end in April next year. The affiliates have taken a decision for the interim committee to take them to the next congress rather than call for elections when there are only a few months left.
Meanwhile, during the meeting, the affiliates were given an opportunity to present their case. The affiliates sent George Keotsene as their representative and presented their grievances.
Delivering a statement, the new helmsman kept rubbing his hands together as he sent his points, in a statement that affiliates had written to the executive committee complaining about operations and governance.
“The report provides a summary of shared observations regarding governance, financial transparency, communication breakdown, lack of proper planning and operational inconsistencies, all which issues hinder both grassroots development, and volleyball national standing,” he said.
The executive committee took turns to respond to concerns raised by the affiliates. Keotsene previously served as vice president and had shown interest in taking over from Daniel Molaodi only to drop off from the race in 2022, leaving Magang unchallenged to the position.
After ascending to presidency, Keotsene said clubs have spoken and their message is one of an urgent desire for progress, transparency and active leadership.
“Our immediate focus is to stabilise the federation, re-engage our members and sponsors, and resume the development of volleyball across all disciplines,” he said.
Together with his interim committee, Keotsene has a mountain to climb in order to bring back the spark to the sleeping giant called volleyball.
Marketing and media relations officer, Mpho Tlhaselo, said in a statement that action taken by the affiliates against the executive committee was driven by a collective sentiment amongst the clubs.
He stated it was felt the Botswana volleyball had experienced a period of regression, stagnation and lack of clear direction.
“The affiliates articulated deep concerns regarding the halted development of the sport, citing a critical lack of communication, stalled national activities, and overarching governance issues,” Tlhaselo said.
“Compelled by the need for change, the clubs forced the convening of the special congress to address these pressing challenges and chart a new path forward for volleyball.”
He added the interim committee has immediately assumed office and is tasked with revitalising the sport, improving communication with all stakeholders and preparing for a transparent and democratic election process next year.
Volleyball interim committee: Keotsene (Mafolofolo), vice president-administration: Thabo Tlale (Spiking Stars), vice president-administration: Boitumelo Janie (Dynamites), vice president-Beach Volleyball retained: Pogiso Osupile (BDF VI), marketing and media relations: Tlhaselo (Dynamites), treasurer retained: Odirile Molobe (Spiking Stars), and additional member: Ndambo Mohale (Kalavango).