Sport associations reject Modutlwa’s Board ambition
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 21, 2026 10:42
Modutlwa contested for the position against Kealeboga Alex Rankgwe (weightlifting) and Kagiso Potongwane (cycling).
During the elections, 28 NSAs’ presidents and representatives took part in the voting, with one ballot being declared spoilt. Rankgwe received 23 votes, followed by Potongwane, who amassed 18 votes, whilst Modutlwa received 11 votes.
Modutlwa told MmegiSport that she wanted to bring value to the board and felt that she could make a difference from a different perspective.
According to her, missing out on the votes would not stop her from working hard. Modutlwa revealed during the interview that she decided to contest for a board position because she understands the challenges faced by NSAs.
The BBA head has experience in two federations namely softball and bowling, and represented the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) at two World Championships. She has also represented bowling at the international level, including at two Commonwealth Games.
“I understand the challenges facing athletes and women in sport. From my experience, women look at issues from a different perspective compared to men. Oftentimes, what is important to women might not be important to men, but it affects the entire sport ecosystem,” Modutlwa told MmegiSport.
“I feel strongly about issues around safe sport, and I feel that as federations, there is a lot we can do around anti-doping, safeguarding and gender equity. I feel sport is a men’s world.
“As women, we must support each other so that we can sit at the table and give our views and input because women can make a difference to some of the safe sport issues.”
She stated it was important to put on the BNSC board agenda, from the federations’ perspective, the need to work closely with Women in Sport Botswana (WASBO) and consider how it can be capacitated.
Modutlwa said there are many challenges and felt that there was a lot she could offer and contribute to Botswana sport, not only to bowling.
For his part, Potongwane said being elected by a good number of NSAs leaders is something he does not take for granted.
He highlighted it as an opportunity to grow as a leader, but it is also a responsibility and an opportunity to contribute to the broader development of sport in Botswana.
“I have served in cycling both as an athlete and in administration, and experienced first-hand both the opportunities and challenges faced by NSAs. I understand the importance of having a board that listens, engages and works collaboratively with the NSAs.
“My priority will be to strengthen the relationship between the BNSC and NSAs and ensure that their voices are heard in decisions that affect the development of sport. I would like to see better communication and collaboration, improved governance and accountability between the BNSC and NSAs,” he said.
Potongwane added he does not come into the role with all the answers, but arriving ready to listen, learn, engage, and work with fellow board members, the Commission, NSAs, athletes and other stakeholders to find practical solutions.
He said his commitment is to serve with integrity, fairness and transparency, and to always put the interests and development of Botswana sport at the centre of his contribution.
Meanwhile, BNSC marketing and communications manager, Anderson Nlisana, told MmegiSport that the names of Potongwane and Rankgwe have been submitted to the Minister of Sport and Arts for the vetting process.