Braai used to �bribe� rugby delegates � Mhonda

Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday February 23, 2016 13:32

He accuses the president of bribing delegates before the BRU elections held on Saturday. Gilbert won with a big margin of 13-6 over Mhonda who was vying for the presidency. Mhonda told Mmegi Sport that he had expected the majority of clubs to vote for him, but things changed the night before elections. He said things changed when the team that was campaigning for Gilbert invited delegates for braai and drinks at Hogs Club on Friday night.

“I am personally inviting (at no cost to you!) the two nominated voting delegates from each affiliate to attend a social braai and drinks at the Hogs Club tomorrow, 19th February at 18.30. Please note this is a private function that is fully paid for by Team Gilbert. We can discuss in a relaxed informal atmosphere about all rugby issues and get to know each other better. I have arranged a bus to pick up and return everyone from the BNSC flat complex. I really look forward to seeing old friends again and hope you can all make it. There will be spot prizes handed out to some lucky delegates,” reads part of the invite to the delegates. Mhonda said the session was meant to convince delegates to vote for Gilbert. He said the event influenced the way voting went.

“The matter has been left hanging because BNSC has informed me that nothing like that has happened before. The BRU constitution is also silent on the matter. I feel that it was unethical for him to host the delegates,” said Mhonda.

He said the delegates from Mochudi, Gideons, BAC North and BIUST who attended the session were given P200 to share per team. BNSC Sports Development Director (Technical) Bobby Gaseitsiwe, said they have not received a formal complaint from Mhonda about the allegations. He said there was nothing they could do at the moment.

“Once Mhonda writes to us about the allegations, we can take the matter up and follow the right channels for a disciplinary hearing to be conducted. There should be substantial evidence for that to happen,” said Gaseitsiwe. 

Reacting to the allegations, Gilbert confirmed inviting delegates to the braii session but said the event was open to everyone who was at the club. He said the session was meant for him to share his plans for rugby with the delegates. He added the session was part of his campaign strategy and there was nothing wrong with it.

“It is unfair what Mhonda is doing. If he is not happy with the outcome of the results, we have channels that he should follow instead of rushing to the media. Rugby is not a controversial sport and this should not be happening,” said Gilbert.

Meanwhile, speaking during the annual general meeting, UB Rhinos representative, Monametsi Mosweu, said it was unfortunate for them to be prohibited from discussing the doping incident which saw two Sevens players test positive for a banned substance. He said BRU has failed to keep them updated on the matter despite one of their players being involved. He said they are not aware if they should use the player or he has been suspended.

BRU former president, Elijah Jones, said they are still waiting for the outcome of the matter from the International Rugby Board (IRB). He announced that the players have been suspended until the final outcome has been received.