Returning Gilbert talks rugby change
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 26, 2016 16:45
Like a new broom, his aim together with his committee is to turn around the fortunes of rugby in the next four years. After all, he has seen it all after a rugby career spanning decades.
Gilbert was born 65 years ago and relocated to Botswana from Zimbabwe in 1994. He became a citizen of this country in 2012. He first cut his teeth in rugby while still at high school and went on to play the sport when he joined the Zimbabwe Air Force.
Upon enrolling at a London university in the 1970s, Gilbert played as a fly half. When he arrived in Botswana, he became a member of the Gaborone club and that is where his interest in sport grew. Gilbert was drafted into the BRU committee as a treasurer in 2005.
The following year, he was elected the president of the union.
“I served two terms and left in 2010. The following year I was elected African Rugby (CAR) vice president. I was even endorsed by some Francophone countries for the position. That was done despite Botswana not being a rugby powerhouse in the continent,” explained Gilbert. He will continue as CAR vice president until 2018 after being endorsed for the second term in December during the continental body’s meeting held in France. Gilbert said he would like to retire when his term ends.
Regarding serving two bodies, Gilbert said the interest of BRU comes first. He said that does not mean he will compromise his CAR position.
He said his local committee has hit the ground running and their first meeting was held on Sunday. Members have been allocated roles that they are focusing on.
Tosca Segaise is responsible for development programmes in schools. Bob Lekan is focusing on ethics, governance and discipline. Keneilwe Modise assists him. Mpho Masisi and Donald Kandima are responsible for land and facilities. Marketing and sponsorship fall under Kingsley Dobrowsky. Gilbert said the BRU new constitution, which was adopted over the weekend, made a provision for the position of vice president (technical) and three more additional members.
Gilbert said they have set up a finance committee that is headed by the treasurer, Vincent Mashaya. He said it is important for the union to have a budget because they cannot approach sponsors without it.
“We intend to present ourselves to the BNSC as way of getting a buy-in to our plans from them. We need their support to move forward,” he said.
He said the BRU used to have 17 teachers who were appointed as development officers across the country and that came to an end due to change in the education policy.
Meanwhile, Gilbert said he intends to resurrect clubs such as EMG Gunners and Sharks that used to be under BDF.
Regarding the poor display by national teams at international competitions, Gilbert said one of the elements is that the teams never get a chance to train outside the country. He said players should be given exposure if they are to excel.