Shape up or face my wrath - Kgathi

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Staff Writer | Monday July 22, 2013 00:00

 

He expressed his displeasure at the BNSC Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday. Kgathi did not mince his words when he told the three bodies to work on their relationship or face his wrath. 'Otherwise I will invoke the power vested in me as the minister of sport to take necessary action,' he said.

Kgathi said what seems to be the tug-of-war, especially between BNSC and BNOC, is uncalled for, adding that they have to work together considering that they strive for the same goals. Kgathi later on re-appointed Solly Reikeletseng as the chairperson of BNSC for a 12 months term. Martin Mokgwathi, Boitshoko Tsiane and Ookeditse Malesu will also continue as vice chairperson, treasurer and additional member respectively after being unopposed.

On other issues, although he appreciated the good performance by some national teams, Kgathi warned that there was still a lot that needed to be done. He said having two continental championships was a sign that grass roots development was bearing fruit although there was still room for improvement.

Kgathi took a swipe at some associations that sent teams to international competitions despite signs that they were not ready. He advised BNSC to make it mandatory for associations to send teams to competitions only when they are satisfied with their readiness. 'It is embarrassing for a national association to send an ill-prepared team to an international competition just for the sake of competing,' he said. He added that there was no point in wasting money on mere participation instead of spending it on grass roots development for future preparation of stronger and well-prepared team.

He gave an example of the senior football team, Zebras, that did not do well in the ongoing COSAFA game despite having a full squad. The Zebras were knocked out in the first stage after two draws and a win. Kgathi wondered why the team did not do well despite playing countries that had brought young players compared to the local side.

He further implored BNSC to come up with a well-structured talent identification process. He said national teams are still selected by chance. 'That is why we had some teams bringing new players at COSAFA but we still struggled against them,' he said.