Thamane's softball future in the balance
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday August 30, 2019 11:50
Thamane was voted into the position last year, amid renewed optimism that he would take the sport to new heights.
But knives are already out for the respected administrator, who carved out a niche for himself in the corporate world. Eagles Softball Club has set the cat amongst the pigeons, after seeking the support of other clubs in pushing a vote of no confidence against the committee.
The letter has been submitted to Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), National Executive Committee (NEC) and BSA affiliates. Eagles cite poor performance in the office and the unexplained resignations of the committee members, as their main reasons for wanting Thamane & Co. out.
Eagles chairperson, Lastborn Segaise said not all members support the motion but he has the backing of the majority. “Officials are failing to perform their duties and some are corrupt. Some of the officials are selfish and arrogant,” he said. “Thamane allows these things to happen under his watch. South zone committee had removed general manager, Kelebogile Ditsele, but the NEC reversed the decision when they came into office.”
Segaise said Thamane has backed down on the promises he made when elected last year. He said Thamane had promised small clubs grants and that sponsors were coming on board but nothing has happened. “All club managers in the South have signed a petition that is to be submitted to the NEC.
They are concerned that the BNSC grant has been exhausted. The excitement was about sending teams to international competitions where the performance was an eyesore,” argued Segaise. He said there has been a sharp decline in world rankings for the Under-19 girls team by 10 points.
He said the calibre of leadership that they have could not deal with such challenges, which affect the future of softball. “They are working around the clock to expel me from the association but that is impossible. This is my turf,” added Segaise. In response, Thamane said if clubs do not want progress he would take his services elsewhere.
“They do not want to be assisted. My sin here is that I want accountability and governance. I want all clubs to comply with the Registrar of Societies and they should show me the compliance certificates. We cannot have a club that does not have a bank account,” he said.
Thamane said when he made the demands, it appears he stepped on other people’s toes. The CEDA CEO said in less than six months, he managed to secure P3 million for the three national teams to compete in international competitions.
Regarding the resignations of public relations officer, Kelebogile Seitei and treasurer, Ryan Shagwa, he said the two left for personal reasons. Thamane said the resignation of two people does not constitute a crisis in a committee of 10. “I was ready to serve for a single term, but it seems like they do not want progress,” he said.