P57,000 allowance sparks softball row
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday July 5, 2017 16:36
At the centre of the row is the Botswana National Sport Commission’s (BNSC) refusal to sanction a P57,000 allowance for Mukokomani for the trip as head of delegation.
Sources close to the BSA have expressed their displeasure about Mukokomani’s decision, saying the national team could not travel to the World Championship without a head of delegation.
Mmegi Sport is reliably informed that Mukokomani pulled out of the trip after the BNSC refused to process his P57,000 per-diem. It is alleged that the BSA treasurer also refused to authorise the claim.
“It seems like he was not happy about the per-diem hence the decision to remain when the team left on Sunday.
The association is financially struggling, that is why we even cancelled our annual general meeting. Now we cannot be seen parting with close to P60, 000,” a source said.
Contacted for comment, Mukokomani put the blame on the doorsteps of the BNSC. He said the Commission decided to cancel his trip. He said as BNSC affiliates, they have limited powers.
“I am still waiting for an official letter from the BNSC informing me about their decision. They decided that I was not good enough to lead the team and they would appoint somebody else at their own time. I do not want to respond to telephone calls and WhatsApp messages,” Mukokomani said.
Bobby Gaseitsiwe, who was the BNSC acting chief executive officer last week, said he was not aware of the trip being cancelled.
“I have not instructed anybody to cancel the trip.
This is news to me. We cannot cancel a trip for leader of delegation of a team going to the World Championships,” he said.
He said BNSC had facilitated a purchase order to travel agency to buy tickets.
Regarding the ticket that has been bought worth P23,000, Gaseitsiwe said BSA should seek refund for the ticket from Mukokomani. He said the association is going to explain why Mukokomani did not travel with the team.
“There are some internal things that I cannot discuss with you like the allowance for the BSA president. As the Commission, we have an obligation to make sure that finances should be used properly,” Gaseitsiwe said.