Gilbert Back As Mhonda Cries Foul
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday February 22, 2016 15:01
Gilbert, who is making a comeback, beat newcomer Munya Mhonda by 13 votes to six as 19 delegates from BRU affiliates voted. However, Mhonda immediately disputed the outcome claiming there were irregularities and said he had taken the matter up with the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC).
Sean Irish was unopposed for the vice president (technical) post while Lesedi Keekae was elected vice president (administration) in a closely-fought contest against Farid Pandor. Keekae won by the smallest of margins after receiving 10 votes to Pandor’s nine. Ernest Mantsi emerged victorious in his battle against Jerome Alabu and Kadimo Modisa for the position secretary general. He won by 11 votes against four each for the other two candidates. The delegates retained Vincent Mashaya as treasurer and Keneilwe Modise is the women league’s representative.
Thusego Segaise, Mpho Masisi, Bob Lekan, Kingsley Dobrowsky and Donald Kandima are the additional members. The committee will be in the office for the next four years. Affiliates adopted a new BRU constitution.
Speaking following his victory, Gilbert said there was need for teamwork. He said the committee should work together with affiliates if they want to take rugby forward.
“Do not worry about finances. They will come when the time is right. Your focus should be on developing the sport. Play rugby and let the committee do their job,” he said. Gilbert advised affiliates to avoid politics and infighting. He said clubs that are disadvantaged in terms of finances should be assisted. He said as the vice president of Africa Rugby (CAR), he will use that to the advantage of BRU. Gilbert said he was willing to work with Mhonda because he had great ideas that can be incorporated to improve rugby.
For his part, Mhonda said he was not happy with the outcome of the elections. He said there were some irregularities a day before the voting. Mhonda said he had reported the matter to the BNSC.
Meanwhile former president, Elijah Jones said affiliates should realise that rugby is bigger than them and they should not be in it for personal egos. He cautioned against putting into office people who will not contribute to the union.
Jones said some members who were part of his committee resigned such as the secretary general and some did not attend meetings.
The union welcomed four clubs in the men’s B division being Selebi-Phikwe, Gantsi, Tlamelong Centre and Molepolole. Francistown Tuskers were reinstated in the A-division.