BoBA denies sponsorship snub
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday October 4, 2016 14:37
The executive committee is accused of ignoring ideas tabled by affiliates.
It is alleged that at the recent independence tournament held at the Gaborone Civic Centre, a certain company had promised to sponsor the competition. One of the affiliates had proposed the sponsorship but the executive committee reportedly ignored the proposal. That led to the potential sponsor pulling out at the eleventh hour. Some affiliates are concerned that they are the ones who suffer as campaigns for position gather pace.
BoBA president, Thato Patlakwe told Mmegi Sport yesterday that he was not aware of the potential sponsors of the tournament as he was on study-leave.
“The vice president was the acting president. He is the one who can shed light in that regard, but I was not informed of any sponsorship,” he said.
Patlakwe said they have since engaged a company to find sponsorship for BoBA tournaments including the national championship. He said at the moment they are still waiting for feedback from the company.
His vice president, Orapeleng Mosalakgotla denied there was anything communicated regarding the sponsorship.
Meanwhile, Patlakwe noted that campaigns are always a challenge in all sporting codes. He said people tend to forget their mandate and focus on the elections.
“People should be professional and focus on delivering on what they were brought into office for. I am aware that some people would use different tactics to campaign. But if people have good ideas, they should bring them to the table so that we can discuss them,” he said.
Regarding seeking another term in office, Patlakwe said he was yet to decide but it would depend on his other engagements. The committee was voted into office in 2014. He said when he came into office he wanted to focus on development and to resuscitate clubs, among others.
Patlakwe said he has also changed the selection of the national team, which was done along club membership. He said boxers have to prove themselves to be in the team not base on which club they belong to.
Allegations are rife that Mosalakgotla is interested in challenging Patlakwe. But Mosalakgotla said he has not made up his mind about contesting.
“Affiliates have not approached me about contesting for the presidency. I was co-opted into office last year to come and assist. I also feel it is still early to campaign for elections. I have not considered leading the association,” he said.
Mosalakgotla said normally members identify people they want in the executive committee and elections are just a formality.