Matthews, Gondo clash in swimming presidency
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday May 26, 2023 15:00
Kgaotsang Matthews and Gondo Gondo have raised their hands to replace Freeman. DMSS and TLC swimming clubs nominated Matthews. Stingrays, Propellers and UB swimming clubs nominated Gondo.
The vocal Gondo said he decided to throw his name in the hat because he feels the time is now to bring change to the BSSA. “I believe that with my knowledge, experience and passion for swimming, I can help develop the sport. As a member of the current executive committee I have already made an impact.
I have identified and secured an additional two short course swimming pools on the list of swimming pools that can host BSSA league galas in the northern part of Botswana,” he said. Gondo (49) said he engaged the director of education (northern region) to have swimming host the first ever schools sports competition post COVID-19 when sport was banned amongst other achievements.
When asked what he brings to the table, Gondo said besides his administrative sporting experience, he is also a qualified swimming coach and chairperson of Stingrays Swimming Club. “I am knowledgeable on the technical aspects of swimming and have also run BSSA league galas in the northern region. With all this knowledge, I am able to give a complete and holistic input to the strategic planning and development of BSSA mandate,” Gondo said. He said his vision for swimming is to develop a locally designed training programme that will be able to produce international and Olympic swimming medallists. Matthews joined the BSSA executive in 2019 as an additional member. “I served as an additional member for a year and as secretary-general for the following year, when the then secretary-general Bongi Ruele resigned.
At the next elections in 2021, my position was confirmed by the affiliates. I have served in the BSSA executive at different levels, learning and gaining the benefit of understanding the demands of the different positions of the BSSA,” she said. Matthews (46) said she is contesting for the presidency armed with knowledge and the needs of the various positions. She said, as an attorney with 21 years experience in law, a partner at a law firm and sitting in various board of leading organisations such as Okavango Diamond Company and Northside Primary School, she possess skills to lead the BSSA. “My areas of focus and priority are corporate governance.
The demands of running an organisation has grown and changed over the years. Gone are the days when all the work that is to be done by the BSSA had to be done by the executive. For this reason, the structure of the BSSA has to change.
The BSSA requires a dedicated resource, even on part time basis, to assist with the day to day demands of dealing with affiliates, BNSC, BNOC, CANA and FINA,” she said. Matthews’ other areas of priorities are utilising technology, completing the constitutional review, implementing the strategy, sponsorship, supporting clubs and improve competition and events,” she said. Matthews said some benefits she brings to the executive committee is her knowledge of law and leadership skills.
She said her vision for swimming is to have visible growth in aquatics, to have more regions have more clubs. Other nominees: Vice president-technical: Sidingulwazi Sibanda and Solomon Mpusetsang Vice president-administration: Tallman Nkgau (unopposed) Secretary-general: Ntsebo Saleshando and Puni Gaetsewe Vice secretary-general: Roseline Seleka, Israel Keitumetse, Kesego Moleko and Kelebogile Letshwiti Treasurer: Matshelo Radimo (unopposed) Additional member: Farida Pearmain, Montle Jack, Valerie Ives, Sian Noble and Gwendolyn Harry.