BONA affiliates are spoilt for choice as they prepare to elect a new board tomorrow in Palapye. It is the first elective Annual General Meeting following the ouster of presiden Malebo Raditladi-Nkgakile and other board members in April 2024. Different positions have attracted the attention of at least three candidates, a sign that there is a lot of interest in running for office. The candidates for president are the incumbent Onkemetse Mpudi, Mpopi Moatlhodi, and Thulaganyo Retshabile. The three candidates bring in different characters, which will be key in guiding affiliates which candidate deserves their vote. Retshabile, who also serves as the Women and Sport Botswana secretary-general, has qualities of a leader as she is seen as firm, an attribute that can also work against her. It is critical for her to work on a new strategy to dealing with issues.
Otherwise, Retshabile is a firm person who is not afraid to take a decision or speak her mind. On the other hand, Moatlhodi works closely with the Jwaneng Netball Club, where she has managed to get sponsorships, which led to the club hosting some tournaments. She also clinched sponsorship for the senior national team during the Africa Cup. Meanwhile, Mpudi brings strong leadership and can push the set mandate to bring results. She boasts of experience as a netball leader. Mpudi is credited with cleaning up the image of the association when she took over. Vice president-projects and events position contestants are Loeto Palalani, Gaolatlhe Matlhare, and Florah Kedibonye. It is also not going to be a walk in the park for any of the three. Kedibonye brings a wealth of experience as she has been part of the BONA structures as manager for the national teams. The role gave her exposure on what is done in the office and what she should expect. Matlhare is also not a stranger to netball leadership as she has been active within the Police Netball Club structures and she is the Under-19 team manager. Palalani is based in the northern part of the country and has a strong personality.
