BNSC, BNOC relations thaw

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Thursday December 2, 2010 00:00

 

The two sports bodies have been engaged in turf skirmishes due to lack of role clarity. BNSC vice chairperson, Nomsa Mbere has said efforts to improve relations with the BNOC are progressing well in a bid to harmonise working relations. She said their participation in BNOC-sanctioned activities is evidence of thawing relations. 'Dialogue on matters of mutual concern and harmonious working relations continue through the Department of Sports and Recreation (DSR),' Mbere said. She added that BNOC is a key partner in sports development.

The Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) president, Gift Nkwe said the relationship between the BNSC and BNOC has improved though more could be done. 'Of course we expect the process to be gradual,' he said. He said it is a welcome development that unlike before, BNOC and BNSC communicate directly rather than through affiliates.

Nkwe, however, prefers an arrangement where the two harmonise their planning.

'To us they are sports custodians, whether they are from BNOC or BNSC does not matter. We look at them as people who can help us,' Nkwe said. Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) president, Steve Botlhasitse is happy that BNOC and BNSC are engaged in peace-building efforts. He said both organisations attend each other's activities, which is evidence that there is progress.

BNOC chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho said their conflict with the BNSC has been over role clarity.

He said the two often clashed over roles but they have now sorted out the matter. He said that at times, there were cases where affiliates will request for funding from both organisations and this created conflict between the two.

He said BNOC has sports commissions in which some BNSC members sit.

'You will also recall that Game Mothibi, an employee of BNSC, was the team manager at the Commonwealth Games,' he said. Serufho said discussions on how best the two can work together are ongoing.