Rugby 7s team divides BRU

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday October 12, 2018 12:21

Mmegi Sport has leant that there were last minute changes to the travelling squad with assistant coach, Kabo Batsile and team manager, Donald Kandima booted out.

Mathew Gibson replaced Kandima while, Batsile had to make way for the team medic, Patrick Proctor. The team is coached by Andrew Paxinos. According to sources, the BRU leadership has lost control of the 7s team.

 “It seems like the 7s is a project for certain individuals and they are running the Union. When people know the position of BRU, then go to the side, keep things to themselves, this is what happens,” a source said. He said the team does not struggle to get sponsorships, due to certain people’s influence.

“The 15s team struggled to secure sponsorship due to certain appointments along racial lines,” the source claimed.

BRU secretary general, Ernest Mantsi said he could not explain why Kandima was dropped as the matter was internal.

“It is a confidential matter and I cannot discuss it with you. Regarding Batsile, we were given an opportunity to decide who we want to swap between assistant coach and the team doctor.

We chose the doctor because of his importance. Batsile’s task would be performed by the coach,” he said. Mantsi said Rugby Africa was sponsoring tickets for three technical people and BRU did not have funds to pay for the fourth person. Batsile said he knew the importance of the doctor hence he did not have a problem with remaining behind.

“Only three officials were allowed to travel with the 12 players. I was informed that I was not travelling with the team last week,” he said.

BRU vice president, Bob Lekan however clarified that Kandima was not dropped from the team. He said Batsile and Kandima represent the 7s team in the executive committee, but it does not mean they are managers.

Botswana is in Pool A with Kenya and Morocco, and play their opening match against top seeds, Kenya on Saturday. Pool B is made up Uganda, Senegal and Ghana while Pool C has Zimbabwe, Tunisia and Mauritius. Pool D has Madagascar, Namibia and Zambia.