In an interview with Sport Monitor, Sibusiso Dladla a delegate from AAPA revealed that for the first time since Botswana joined AAPA back in 2016, AAPA deemed it fit to send a delegate Botswana to assess what hinders cue sport from thriving and extend a helping hand.
“We have been having challenges with the administration from Botswana as far as their membership is concerned with us.
This stems from them being suspended by BNSC (Botswana National Sport Commission) and because of that they have not been active within our ranks and that rendered them dormant and we want to change that,” Dladla said. He said this basically means Botswana are not active members and are on the verge of being suspended by the AAPA.
“Botswana has not been active because they are dormant, so before we can suspend their membership, AAPA saw it fit to send me here to make sure that we leave no stones unturned in our attempt to assist them resolve their issues of compliance so that they can return to the status of being active members at the AAPA,” he revealed.
Dladla insisted that AAPA would like to see Botswana cue sport federation, Botswana Billiards Confederation (BBC) resolve its issues regarding compliance because of the upcoming October Africa Championships. He said the AAPA's intention is to see more countries taking part in the tournament. Dladla implored Botswana to get BNSC to lift the suspension on BBC.
“The main issue here is their recognition by BNSC from what I have observed, and this is something that is very important to us because we are official custodians of continental titles as well as the gateway to the World Championships. So, if you are not recognised in your own country, who are you coming as,” he explained. Dladla however said Botswana players can take part in the October championships even if they fail to align themselves with BNSC but explained that they will be recognised as individuals and will not be recognized as Botswana players.
He said if Botswana fails to comply with administration issues, they will have to take drastic measures and suspend Botswana. “I am yet to write an official report of my assessment here in Botswana and share it with AAPA where board will get to deliberate on it and see what the next step is. And also provide deadlines to Botswana so that they have time frames that bind them,” he explained.
