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Professional boxing leader survives coup

Survivor: Binda survived a coup PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
Survivor: Binda survived a coup PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Professional Boxing Association of Botswana (PBAB) president, Seroba Binda, remains unfazed after surviving a coup during the code's Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the weekend.

PBAB affiliates, led by Thuso ‘Scud’ Khubamang, accused Binda of failing them and argued it was only fair for him to resign. Binda was also accused of favouring Bond Ngubula of Bond Promotions over other promoters. Responding to the accusations, Binda told MmegiSport that it was just baseless anger. “The call for my resignation was misplaced and if they really wanted me to resign, they should have submitted a motion of no confidence against me prior to the AGM, instead of what they portrayed,” he said. Binda said allegations of assisting Ngubula to find sponsors are untrue and unfounded, adding that the promoter has been enjoying sole sponsorship from Botswana Television (Btv). He said they have found a neutral ground for all promoters to be assisted in terms of broadcast rights. “Being in office does not affect my outside friendship with any of them. Larona Francis and Ngubula were nominated to run the technical commission which we intended to build other commissions on but they never agree on anything but instead they blame the executive committee,” he said.

Binda said the affiliates are justified to point a finger solely at him since they know he is always at the helm of PBAB errands and daily running. “But they forget I do it in their best interest as business people and I expect them to be more of advisory members not to collapse talks that are meant for consultation and feedback. Our mandate as the executive committee is to sanction and monitor tournament running,” he said. Binda said they can plan workshops with funds permitting and affiliates are aware that funds availed to PBAB recently from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) were not enough. “In the end, they will realise that we are doing everything in our capability to serve them as sport leaders who are volunteers,” Binda said.

He said the PBAB was allocated P50, 000 grant by the BNSC, which was a small amount. He said they engaged the Commission and the subvension were increased to P100, 000 and they have been promised a further P50, 000. “Promoters are failing to pay the association for the renewal of licenses, which is a concern. Failure to pay your dues on time hampers the administration of the association. Some boxing stables fail to register their managers, trainers, seconds and some boxers,” Binda said. A second is a boxing term for a member of the boxer's corner team, such as his trainer or cut man. Binda warned the affiliates that if they fail to renew membership fees on time, they would be ineligible to take part in PBAB activities.

Editor's Comment
Be careful on the road this festive season

Over the past weekend in Greater Gaborone, four people tragically lost their lives in separate accidents, a stark reminder of how vulnerable we are on the roads, especially during this busy time of year.The accidents, which claimed the lives of three pedestrians and one driver, paint a grim picture of the dangers faced by everyone on the road, not just motorists but also pedestrians. In one case, a young man was fatally struck by a truck whilst...

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