Selema will not seek BTTA re-election

Thato Kala | Friday August 29, 2014 15:17

Selema took over from Robert Maabong two years ago and promised to serve one term and step down.

Yesterday, Selema confirmed he was sticking to his promise, hours before presidential candidates were confirmed.

“I had promised that I would do one term and step down. The deadline is today 1630 hours I am likely not to stand this time. I am more engaged than previously and I know I may not have enough time to dedicate to table tennis,” Selema told Mmegi Sport.

Selema remains an African Union Zone Five (formerly Zone Six) committee member and said he will focus on that. “We need to get the region going, we need to get our region active in table tennis. The North and West (Africa) dominate in terms of playing, performance and activities hence we need to do something as a region; I will be more on the region,” he said.

Former treasurer Lesego Maifala is touted as next president although his challengers for the position were yet to be announced yesterday.

New Horizon Table Tennis Club secretary general, Marang Ramahobo has been nominated for a similar position at national level. Brian Sitang is the current secretary general. Boykie Selerio looks likely to retain his treasurer post while Kudzanani Motswagole’s term, as tournament organiser also looks assured.

The names of candidates were expected to be out later yesterday.

Affiliates will also review the year while treasurer Selerio will present the financial report. The meeting is also expected to discuss Bonolo Mabote’s ejection from the national team before the Zone Six Championships in Zambia.

The player reportedly misbehaved when travelling in a Botswana National Sport Council (BNSC) bus after last year’s Orapa Open. He was seen drinking alcohol and after his suspension affiliates questioned the action. He has not featured for the national team since then despite hitting top form.

Affiliates called for a conduct code to be drafted in January, but it remains unclear whether that has been done or not.

Meanwhile, New Horizon hosts a two-day open table tennis tournament dubbed New Horizon Open at Maikano JSS in Gaborone West this weekend.

Ramahobo said the aim of the event was to promote BTTA’s calendar of events, as this would be a national ranking tournament. Participants in the event will earn points in the BTTA national ranking system. The event is also aimed at raising funds for the club.

The system of play shall be group stage followed by single knockout draw of last 32 in the junior and elite singles event. All other events will be double knock out system except for the veteran singles event, which will be played as round robin matches throughout.

Among the prizes up for grabs for the winners will be special ones for married couples, mother and son partnership, father and daughter partnership and also brothers and sisters partnership.