BNAA seeks BNSC affiliation

Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday September 20, 2016 16:14

 

The chairperson of BNAA, Bill Staveley told Mmegi Sport yesterday that they were BNSC affiliates in the past but unfortunately the committee that was in office by then was not functional. He said for them to find sponsorship and also participate in international competitions, they should be affiliated to the BNSC.

He said the BNAA held an annual general meeting over the weekend and the general membership was updated on the progress made with government departments.

He said the association wrote to the minister of environment, wildlife and tourism regarding the new fishing regulatons that caused controversy. 

“We are yet to meet with officials from department of wildlife and national parks. We had raised our concerns against the new fishing act that was passed at the beginning of the year,” said Staveley.

He said the most important thing to deal with at the moment is to focus on developing angling as a sport in the country. Staveley stated that BNAA is more into sustainable fishing. He said netters are not part of them because netting is not easy to monitor.

Staveley said Botswana has been invited for competitions by the South Africa Artificial Lure Angling Association, amongst others.

Meanwhile, the BNSC chairperson, Solly Reikeletseng said angling has been in existence for many years. He said water restrictions that have been put up by the government are hampering the growth of the sport in the country.

“Water is a natural resource and when the government comes up with restrictions, we have to follow them. There is nothing we can do. Such restrictions include banning of fishing in some areas,” he said.

Reikeletseng said the commission is ready to support BNAA just like any other sporting code in the country.