Bantsi will also serve as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for next year's World Relays which Gaborone hosts. His appointment with World Relays runs from June 2025 to the end of August 2026. Oabona Theetso will hold fort as BAA president during that period. Whilst there were concerns in some quarters over Bantsi joining politics, the BAA constitution is silent on the matter. The document only states that the association is neutral on matters of politics and religion. Former BAA president, Thari Mooketsi said the association's constitution may be silent on the matter, however, it is up to the general assembly to make a decision on the issue. "Now that he is in political office, he should remain neutral and non-aligned in athletics matters," Thari said. Meanwhile, some BAA affiliates want clarity on the issue as they argue, a person holding political office should not be at the helm of the sports body. “We have been trying to make sense of this whole thing but without any luck. The reason we get from the board is that the BAA constitution has not been bridged. We have decided to include that in the constitution in the next General Assembly,” a source said.
The source further said it was disappointing that the Bantsi-led board chose him to be the CEO of the World Relays. “This appointment undermines the basic principles of governance. The appointment of a CEO is one of the most critical components of the success of any event or organisation. It, therefore, cannot be reduced to self-appointment. The CEO provides strategic direction, operational management and reputation of the organisation,” the source said. Botswana National Sport Association (BNSC) board chairperson, Marumo Morule told MmegiSport that sport is non-political. Morule could not be drawn into discussing how the appointment of Bantsi as BNF chairperson will affect his role as World Relays Gaborone '26 CEO. “I cannot comment on that issue. Talk to the minister because I do not want to be entangled in issues beyond my mandate,” Morule said. BAA acting president, Theetso, could not be drawn into commenting on the matter.
