Mmegi

Drama ahead of rugby polls

Tussle: Rugby goes to the polls this weekend PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO
Tussle: Rugby goes to the polls this weekend PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

Drama is brewing in the lead-up to the Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) elections scheduled for tomorrow, with reports indicating that some candidates have been disqualified for failing to meet requirements.

The elections will take place during the Union's Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Botho University.

According to information received by MmegiSport, certain individuals who expressed interest in running for various positions, including Neal Gouws aspiring for vice president-administration, have been disqualified. Other candidates who were disqualified are Mpho Masisi, Tjeludo Monyai and Ronan McGann, all belonging to the same camp as Gouws.

The officials were in presidential candidate, Farid Oupa Pandor's lobby list, but all were removed from the contest. This leaves Pandor as the only survivor from his lobby list. However, the candidates’ list, which was expected to be published on Wednesday, faced delays due to irregularities.

Two presidential candidates, Boitshoko Tsiane and Pandor, have a history in the previous executive committee. Tsiane, initially a treasurer, later assumed the role of secretary-general. Pandor served two terms as secretary-general, two terms as vice president-administration, and chaired the disciplinary committee. Other contenders for BRU leadership include former presidents Dave Gilbert and Sean Irish, whose term in office ended yesterday (Thursday). The former presidents align with the Tsiane camp. Osi Kopane, a familiar face in previous elections, is also part of the lobby list.

BRU is heading into elections amidst challenges, including a reduced annual grant from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), a lack of league sponsorship, and inactive national teams. The women's national team last competed in 2021, while The Vultures were last in action in March of the previous year. Rugby was removed from the African Games team and the women’s national team has not joined the 15s format introduced by Rugby Africa. Financial difficulties led clubs like the Maun-based Great North Rugby Club to withdraw from the league.

The women's structures are non-existent, especially after the resignation of the women's representative in the executive committee, Naledi Dikgomo-Goulden. Clubs are urging the new leadership to revamp local competitions. “There is no need for funding. Sometimes the executive must sit down with clubs and come up with local competitions that can be a base for the national teams. The existing league committee has failed us. They always did things that favoured them,” a source said. One presidential candidate, Tsiane told MmegiSport he has unfinished business at BRU. “I believe BRU should not be where it is now.

There are a few basic things we are not doing yet. We need to increase game time for our players and build a home for our national teams. Land is available and engagements with the BNSC are at an advanced stage,” he said, adding that they failed to deliver on their mandate. Tsiane acknowledged past shortcomings, noting that his previous committee faced challenges, including resignations. He pledged a focused approach to areas that require attention, expressing confidence in securing new sponsorships despite economic challenges.

“The restructured team I am leading now should be able to do that because we know the areas to focus on. Regarding sponsorship, many companies reduced income during this period, but we are confident of closing some deals soon,” Tsiane said. He explained that one element where the outgoing committee failed was taking rugby to the people, which saw other clubs such as Mochudi and Great North pulling out. Pandor, another presidential candidate, outlined plans to safeguard rugby's well-being, particularly in training and officiating.

He emphasised the development of performance-aligning structures for Under-19, Under-23, and women's teams. “I want to strengthen community support base, community rugby, school rugby, amongst others. Be mindful [that] we once had this in place and it just collapsed. Remember our Old Naledi project,” Pandor said. Given the opportunity to lead, Pandor believes he can implement his plan successfully. “Sponsors are available, but you need to convince them. With the right attitude, we can get them,” Pandor added.

Candidates after vetting

President Boitsoko Tsiane, Farid Pandor

Vice president-technical Elijah Kokoro ( unopposed)

Secretary-general Osi Kopano (unopposed)

Women's representative Keneilwe Modise (unopposed)

Additional members Sean Irish, Dave Gilbert, Thari Segobye and Simon Kanaimba

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