Decision time as codes gear up for elections
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday October 2, 2020 16:13
New leadership is expected in at least six codes, volleyball, boxing, softball, karate, netball and BOTESSA, who all hold their elections next year.
Some of the key members have indicated their desire to step down.
The Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) election is expected October next year.
However, the future of the board remains unclear as talks of merger between the BNOC and Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) gain momentum. BNOC president, Botsang Tshenyego said there is still time between now and October next year. “I have not thought about seeking re-election. When the time comes, I would have to sit down and look back at my performance then take it from there,” he said.
Tshenyego added the challenge is that many things are happening around BNOC and BNSC so it was difficult to predict the future.
Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) holds its elections next April, with president Tshepo Bathai opting against re-election.
“Bathai is not interested in seeking another term, but we are trying by all means to plead with him to contest. We know that some karatekas
are against him because they tried to block us from hosting UFAK, Region V by feeding BNSC with false information,” a source said.
The source added the same people are also pushing to block hosting the Commonwealth Karate Championships. BOKA spokesperson, Isaiah Ramontshonyana said it was not yet clear as to who would contest, as nominations are not yet out.
“We are still waiting for BOKA to announce the contestants. It is difficult to predict. What I know is that Bathai is not contesting,” Ramontshonyana said.
Bathai confirmed he would not stand. “However, there are some of our affiliates that have approached me and requested me to contest,” Bathai said. Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president, Malebo Raditladi-Nkgakile said she was not willing to retain her position, but the members have pleaded with her to continue.
“I felt that I have done enough for netball and it was time to hand over the reins. The members feel that I should continue but there is nothing I could do but listen to them,” she said.
BONA elections are staggered, which means next year they are voting for the president, vice president projects and events, public relations officer and sport development officer.
In 2019, they elected the secretary-general, vice president-technical and treasurer. Botswana Softball Association (BSA) secretary-general, Anastacia Makwa said she would not be seeking another term when they go for elections in April. However, it is unclear if president Thabo Thamane would seek a second term.
Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) has scheduled elections for June. Eyes would be on BoBA president, Dr Thato Patlakwe as he completes his second term.
He was voted into office in 2014 after beating Michael Moroka. Botswana Tertiary Student Sports Association (BOTESSA) holds elections in October.
BOTESSA president, Keorapetse Setlhare said he has not decided if he would contest or not.
Setlhare said he would make the decision at the end of his term.
The term for Botswana Volleyball Federation (BVF) executive committee also ends next year. Vice president-administration, George Keotsenye said he would not be seeking re-election.
“I have been in this position since 2007 and it is time for me to step aside and give others a chance,” he said.
Meanwhile, BVF president, Daniel Molaodi said it was unlikely for him to seek another term. Molaodi has served as president for three terms since 2008.