Rugby secretary quits, avoids motion of no confidence
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday February 2, 2026 06:00
Five clubs wrote to the BRU stating that the proposed motion of no confidence was due to concerns regarding Kopano's failure to fulfil his duties as per his mandate. Gaborone Hogs, UB Rhinos, BIUST Buffaloes, Savage, and Botho Ryders were all signatories to the letter. They cited the secretary-general’s inability to represent the union in a professional and efficient manner. “Despite opportunities to address these matters, the concern remains unresolved and continues to negatively impact the effective functioning and reputation of the organisation,' the letter reads. The clubs requested the Union to call an extraordinary meeting to be convened in line with the constitution in order for affiliates to vote on the special resolution, and that appropriate steps to be taken following the outcome of such a vote. One of the burning issues that Kopano leaves behind relates to a standoff between BRU and match officials body, Eagles Rugby Referees Society.
The stalemate saw some members of the society being excluded from the 2025 season after they made demands to the association. In a turn of events, BRU announced that Kopano has resigned. According to a letter signed on Monday this week by BRU president, Colonel Farid Pandor, the resignation is with immediate effect. “Kopano has been a valued contributor to our mission, and we are grateful for his service during his tenure. The board is currently implementing a succession plan seeking to a replacement,” Pandor said. Eagles secretary, Botho Bosele, told MmegiSport that they were happy with Kopano’s resignation. She stated that the former secretary-general was an obstacle to progress when it came to the welfare of match officials. For his part, Kopano said he decided to resign because he is dealing with something personal and would not have time to deal with office work.
“It was a team effort, I cannot say I did one or two things. Both successes and failures were on all of us,” he said. MmegiSport has been informed that another motion of no confidence is being drafted against the league chairperson, Bucks Keopetswe.
Contacted for comment, Keopetswe said his term ended last season after he served two terms.
“How do you pass a motion of no confidence against someone who is no longer in office? It is an indication that people are misinformed,” he said.
Keopetswe said the first term he struggled to get into the system, and his second was also a challenge as some of the subcommittee members failed to deliver.
“At one point, I told the vice president-technical that I should be allowed to appoint my sub-committee members. I was tired of people who were looking after their interests forgetting about the entire institution. They just wanted their own clubs to benefit,” he said.
Keopetswe said clubs knew that when they did not honour fixtures, they lost points, but they wanted to hide behind the constitution. He said he has been serving rugby since 2000, but has realised that there is no progress, hence the decision to stop being active.