Drama erupts as rugby clubs call for elections cancellation
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday March 5, 2024 08:28
The clubs felt that the process was unfair because the BRU constitution is unclear on how elections should be carried out.
They also complained that some candidates were disqualified because they were nominated by active BRU Board members while others were said to have failed to submit security clearance.
One of the delegates, Mpho Masisi, who was vetted out from contesting as secretary-general, said what was happening was wrong and should be stopped.
“Simon Kanaimba is an active board member; he nominated two additional board members but they were not vetted out. We cannot be held at ransom by a certain group of people who do not want us to contest for positions. Elections should be cancelled straight away,” Masisi lashed out.
Zibo Molefhe of Botho Ryders club said some candidates were disqualified by certain clauses of the BRU constitution. He added that others such as Osi Kopano submitted their names after the deadline passed but he was allowed to contest unopposed as secretary-general. He suggested that the elections should be postponed, and the constitution should be amended before fresh elections are held. Meanwhile, elections committee member, Nonofo Kurwana, informed the delegates that the BRU constitution is not clear on the elections process.
“You do not have elections guidelines; you should develop those guidelines in order to have smooth elections,” she said. Another elections committee member, California Molefhe said there is a process that delegates can follow to voice their concerns. He said as the committee, they do not have the power to stop the elections. Still on the development, the outgoing president, Sean Irish, said he had served on the executive committee for almost 10 years and it was time for him to step down. He advised cubs to submit documents at the Registrar of Societies (RoS) for re-registration and the deadline for submission has been extended to May. He cautioned that members who are not compliant with the RoS cannot affiliate with BRU. “We delivered on training our officials despite financial difficulties.
While certified women were visible in various games, the same cannot be said about coaching. Out of the 12 level three certified women coaches, we only have two that are involved at the clubs. The rest are not putting their certification to use, which is a worrying trend.
The BRU, the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC), the Olympic Committee and World Rugby spend lots of money to conduct these courses only for clubs not to recognise recipients,” he said. Irish also said Rugby Africa has already raised a concern during a visit to Botswana when they did not see women coaches. Farid Pandor is the new BRU president after snatching 17 votes to five for his opponent, Boitshoko Tsiane. Speaking to SportMonitor, Pandor said the win came as a surprise because ahead of the elections, there was a lot of backstabbing and fracas.
He said despite that, sport people want change not only change but for the better.
He said his biggest challenge now is to deliver and with support, he would manage. For his part, Tsiane said the people have spoken and voted for their preferred candidate. “I have served sport for a while now and I am still available where my volunteerism is required and appreciated,” Tsiane said. Other board members are: Vice president-technical: Elijah Kokoro, vice president-administration: vacant, secretary general: Osi Kopano, treasurer: Gobona Tobedza and women’s representative: Keneilwe Modise. Additional board members: Dave Gilbert, Sean Irish, Kanaimba, Thari Segobye and one more member is to be added.