Several affiliates, including Mafolofolo, Motlakase, Sebokeng, Blockbusters, Dikwena, and Dynamites, did not attend the meeting.
Amongst the present clubs were UB Yaros, Mag Stimela, Kutlwano, Kalavango, BDF, Prisons, Police, Spiking Stars, and Itekeng. Joe Ralegoreng of Mafolofolo expressed frustration, citing inadequate notice and inconvenient timing of the meeting.
"The BVF should blame itself for poor planning; they did not consider other people’s schedules. Even their communication was poor. For example, they used an old email address to invite my club chairman. You should also ask them about the arrangements they had planned for clubs that were travelling from outside Gaborone. The BVF executive committee does not engage clubs.
They only engage us when it suits them," Ralegoreng stated. For his part, the BVF vice president administration, Ndibo Lebala, expressed disappointment on behalf of affiliates, commissions, and executive committee members who attended the meeting that was called off. He emphasised the significance of the congress, noting that it occurs annually, with occasional special congresses held under unique circumstances. Initially scheduled for March 30, the congress was postponed to April 6, Lebala explained. Lebala clarified that clubs were notified of the final date change 10 days before the meeting.
He stressed the responsibility of clubs to update the BVF on changes in office bearers and communication channels. “It is disappointing as congress is a big event for the BVF because that is where the executive reports to the affiliates. That is where decisions are taken because the congress is supreme. It was not the first time the congress failed. In 2022, we missed a special congress because we did not form a quorum. The absence of other clubs was painful, a dark moment for volleyball. We tried calling others on the day of the congress; some claimed they had forgotten.
We only needed one club to continue with the congress. It was shocking to find other two affiliates at a tournament that was held at the UB Indoor Sports Centre,” he said. Highlighting challenges faced by clubs, Lebala emphasised the need for the committee training to ensure they understand their roles.
He suggested that the BVF establish a dedicated platform for engaging clubs and committed to working closely with club secretaries-general as part of his role. Despite challenges with club responsiveness given members were informed 30 days before the date, Lebala emphasised the importance of the congress in adopting essential documents such as financial reports and addressing vacant positions, including vice president-beach volleyball and a marketing role. Plans are underway to reschedule the meeting for April 20, with a focus on starting the volleyball league in May.
The aim is to leverage government support and existing products to attract corporate audiences. Commenting on club awareness of the league, Ralegoreng said with or without a sponsor, action should continue. “The BVF should engage clubs to come up with a model that could work even if there is no league sponsor. It is time for the BVF to engage us, we do not want last minute things where clubs end up competing without proper training. I am not attacking anybody but I am calling on the BVF executive committee to put its house in order,” Ralegoreng said.
