Rugby affiliates decide in low-key affair
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 28, 2020 15:08
It has been a mixed four years for rugby, but now the Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) affiliates get the opportunity to usher in a new committee.
The resignation of Dave Gilbert, who was the president, was the highlight of a challenging four years for rugby.
There was sad news when secretary general, Ernest Mantsi passed away and his position remains vacant. Feddy Mutenheri only lasted a few weeks in the position before quitting.
The situation is markedly different this time as rugby braces for the elections. In the past, the post of the president would attract as many as four candidates.
But with hours before affiliates cast their votes, little is known about the contestants.
It is probably hardly surprising, as rugby has underwhelmed in the last four years.
National teams have been a huge disappointment, with the Vultures ranked a lowly 71st in the world. In 2018, the team was ranked 74th, having plunged from number 64 in 2015.
The women’s senior 7s team has flattered to deceive, having put up a great show at the 2018 Africa women’s 7s tournament that was held in Gaborone. They fizzled out in Tunisia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic qualifiers.
Mmegi Sport focuses on the key figures who have been steering the rugby ship.
BRU president, Sean Irish is a shrewd businessman who wants to get things done. Irish has managed to steer BRU out of the financial woods. He has mended bridges with other continental bodies including African Rugby (AR).
During his tenure, BRU received high ratings after successfully hosting the 2018 Africa women’s 7s tournament in Gaborone. For once the union had a tournament, which did not leave it in financial doldrums unlike the ones from previous committees.
Irish is often accused of not possessing the best diplomacy skills. His abrasive approach to issues has often ruffled a few feathers. Despite that, he seems to be head and shoulders above his challengers. Vice president, Bob Lekan, just a proverbial cut, the man certainly has nine lives. Having withdrawn from contesting against Gilbert and seemingly taking a back seat, he came back through the window. First he was co-opted as an additional member heading an obscure portfolio of governance.
He was later co-opted as vice president responsible for administration after Lesedi Keekae vacated it. He has served in various capacities for many years. With all that experience, he has not benefited rugby.
Tosca Segaise is vice president technical and arguably the best rugby brains in local shores. He is Botswana’s equivalent of South Africa’s director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus. He cannot be faulted as far as technical aspects of the game are concerned and has the rugby qualifications to back it up. He beats his fellow committee members hands down.
He has overseen the growth of Re Ba Bona Ha Centres and establishment of rugby centres countrywide.
Under his stewardship, schools rugby has grown in leaps and bounds. Segaise has a shy character and always stays away from politics and squabbles as a result he is mistakenly seen as doing nothing regarding major decisions.
Treasurer, Boitshoko Tsiane remains a closed book to the affiliates besides his links with the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC). He was recruited into the position based on his previous stint at BNSC, following the passing on of Vincent Mashaya.
His first presentation of the budget at the 2017 BRU ordinary general meeting was far from convincing. Affiliates were left with more questions than answers.
Knowledge of the game is not important for this post, as his previous engagement at BNSC and insight of the Commission’s financial policies put him in good stead. Meanwhile, young Osi Kopano has thrown his name in the hat for the position of secretary general. He might be what the union desires to turn around its fortunes.
But Tsiane is also contesting for the same position. There won’t be immediate pressure for the incoming, as the Vultures are inactive the whole of the year. But the local league needs more clubs unlike the three-team show of the 2019 season. Moreover, there is need to rope in lots of corporate partners to make the game worthwhile.