Moatlhodi emerged victorious during the BONA elections held over the weekend in Palapye, garnering 11 votes against four for former president, Onkemetse Mpudi. She said her love and passion for the sport motivated her to contest in the elections. Moatlhodi said she has been observing the performance of local netball over the years and that there has been a decline. “We have regressed, we used to be one of the best in the region, but currently, we have been overtaken by countries which started playing netball after us. So this is something that has motivated me, and made me in a way. It made me yearn for the opportunity to influence or bring about change that will lead to Botswana netball competing in the next Netball World Cup,” she said.
Moatlhodi said she has some ideas but still has to sit down with her committee to come up with a solid plan that does not only reflect her opinions. Moatlhodi said the intention is to settle in and understand the BONA landscape. “I will meet with the outgoing president and her executive committee for a comprehensive handing over and review of core documents, examine BONA constitution, calendar of events, and financial statements,” she said. She added that her plan is to engage with the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), National Olympic Committee (BNOC), Africa Netball, World Netball, COSANA, and zonal committees for introduction and induction. “The other priority is to ensure compliance with legal and financial requirements. My guiding principles are to build strong relationships, be transparent, empower other champions of the game, be adaptable, lead by example, and prioritise well being,” Moatlhodi said. She told MmegiSport yesterday that she has never played any professional netball. “The last time I played netball was when I was still a student. I have also played social netball as an adult. Although I have always had the love for the sport, unfortunately, it looks like I did not have the talent, so I never made it any far as a player.
