Sharp introduced amateur wrestling in 2003 in Selebi-Phikwe. He told MmegiSport that he feels that it is time for him to step down from an organisation that he established.
Sharp was given another mandate to lead the federation during an elective congress held in December 2023 and his term in office ends in 2029.
He said the term in office for president is six years while other members of the executive committee are voted for every two years.
Sharp explained that the BWF constitution is derived from the United World Wrestling document and that the importance of voting officers at different times is for continuity purposes. “I feel I have done my part. The BWF is established and it is time for someone else to take over. But I will not be abandoning the federation.
I will be a life member and I will be ready to serve if they need me on the board. However, I will continue as a coach and referee,” he said. Sharp said being the chairperson of Pro Wrestling Africa has been a blessing for Botswana, which has helped to make the sport relevant.
He said Batswana are changing their mindset towards wrestling and they have started to appreciate that it is a sport-like any other. He said when he tried to register the BWF at the Registrar of Societies in 2008, his application was turned down, as the registrar claimed that wrestling was a dangerous sport.
Sharp said he tried his luck once again in 2010, and the application was successful and they affiliated with the then Botswana National Sport Council. Sharp said when he was appointed chef de mission for Team Botswana to Tunisia last year, he fell in love with Beach Wrestling and introduced it in Botswana in January. “Our team comprised of Kelebogile Basupi (women 70kg), Jeffias Kulube (men 80kg) and myself as a coach, have been invited to the second edition of African Beach Wrestling Championships next month in Dakar, Senegal, where 32 countries will compete.
The tournament will be a senior-level event in eight weight classes, four each in men and women. The men’s competition will be held in 70kg, 80kg, 90kg and over 90kg while the women will compete in 50kg, 60kg, 70kg, and over 70kg weight classes. The United World Wrestling is providing us with flight tickets, meals and accommodation,” Sharp said.
He said Beach Wrestling does not need equipment because over the years it has been a struggle to secure equipment needed for other styles. He said the trip was not going to be possible because the BWF was only allocated P35, 000 in the past financial year by the Botswana National Sport Commission and it was all spent during the Annual General Meeting. Some of the funds were used for the re-registration process, which is a requirement. He said despite the challenges, the wrestling leadership has stayed up to date.
