Fencing optimistic of landing sponsorship
Naledi Lemogang | Friday June 16, 2017 15:38
It has been over two months, since the new committee, led by Mandla Masuku, was elected into office.
Masuku told Mmegi Sport yesterday that they have been working very hard and managed to meet several times with his committee, which is made up of mostly people from the previous management.
He said they have been engaging different stakeholders to source funds since the sport was financially challenged.
“I haven’t finalised with sponsors yet because the whole transition process is not complete, but it is promising and I am confident that we will have some on board,” Masuku said.
He said the administration has been shaping up, with improved accessibility and relations with clubs. He added that fencing is an expensive sport, and therefore, lack of finance might hinder progress. Masuku said they are pushing harder in order to host successful interclub competitions. The committee would be in charge for two, instead of four years as the constitution stipulates. Meanwhile, the association will host the Serowe Open Championships next week as the first tournament ever since the new committee took charge.
The competition consists of both men and women in epee, foil and saber categories for senior and junior athletes.
Last season, fencing hosted a similar competition, the Gaborone Open that attracted some clubs from South Africa.
BAFS spokesperson, Thato Gleeson said the Serowe event would be used to select the national team, with players ranked according to their performance at the tournament.
He said they have invited three fencing clubs from South Africa as a way of giving the local fencers tough competition. “Gauteng, Mamelodi and Soweto Fencing Clubs have been invited while local participating clubs would be; Mogoditshane, Tlokweng, Sir Seretse Khama, Serowe, University of Botswana and Legae,” Gleeson said.