Vultures selection stirs up hornet�s nest
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 14, 2017 16:50
The executive committee led by seasoned administrator, Dave Gilbert, was only voted in last year on a four-year term. The selection of the national team stirred up the hornet’s nest, as some affiliates were not impressed, more so that the team failed to win a game. The first match saw The Vultures lose 58-25 to Ivory Coast and then suffered a 47-26 defeat at the hands of Madagascar.
Botho Ryders chairperson, Simon Kanaimba said they have complained to the BRU about the current state of affairs. He said they wrote to the union complaining about the criteria used to select the national team, but unfortunately they did not get a response. “We have now decided to focus on club rugby and forget about the national team.
There is too much politics around The Vultures and we do not want to be involved,” he said. Kanaimba said it seems the leadership forgets that it was put in office by affiliates and when questions are raised they should respond. Regarding the recalling of the executive, Kanaimba said affiliates should tread carefully and before they go that route, they should have a plan.
Thataone Malele of UB Rhinos said they have also submitted a complaint to the union regarding the criteria used for selecting the national team.
He said like Ryders, their complaints have not been attended to. “Our concern is there are some players who were picked into the team and we do not know them. They are based in South Africa and we are wondering who had seen them playing. Who had assessed them?” Malele wondered.
He said it was a shock that a club like BDF Cheetahs did not have many players in the squad. Cheetahs spokesperson, Modesto Mazambi said as Sevens and Super Rugby Champions, they had expected more numbers in the squad. He said only four players were picked.
He called for the review of the selection panel. He said players in the domestic league are the only ones who deserve national team call up. “We cannot have a situation whereby a player just rocks up during match day. There should be training camps just like other national teams,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mmegi Sport is informed that the BRU would convene a meeting after the President’s Day holiday with the clubs.
Sparks are expected to fly and affiliates might pass a motion of no confidence against the leadership. BRU secretary general, Ernest Mantsi said he was not in a position to comment on the allegations levelled against his committee.