Gunners want to be free of BDF control

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday January 23, 2014 15:08

Segaise told Mmegi Sport that he had included the request in the strategic plan that he submitted to BDF management last year.

He appreciated the support that the club was getting from BDF but felt that it was high time the community owned it. He said since the beginning of the year, the team had not met.

Segaise stated that anything might happen to the club if it continued to be under BDF. He pointed out that one day the army might decide to do away with the team simply saying that their mandate was to protect the nation and not sports.

The BDF has not yet responded to Segaise’s request.

Segaise said because the entire team was outside Selebi-Phikwe on trips he was unable to start training sessions, noting that this would affect preparations for the league that is expected to start in March.

'We are trying to have them back by the second week of February. We intend to challenge for the league title. My plan is to take the players through intensive training. The first two games will not be easy but will help us to build the momentum of the team,' said Segaise.

He said the fixtures were not out yet but clubs were expected to discuss them at the elective meeting scheduled for next month.

Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) development manager Zee Khumalo could not say when the league would start but said they were in the process of setting up a committee that would draw the fixtures.

He said the number of teams in the league was likely to increase after assessing which clubs in the B Division could be promoted. Khumalo hinted the possibility of Francistown Tuskers returning.

The five clubs that played in the league last season were Gunners, Gaborone Hogs, BDF Cheetahs, UB Rhinos and Mochudi Rugby Club.