09 Feb 2015

Botswana Athletics Association (BAA) affiliates have shown confidence on Moses Bantsi by re-electing him  president on February 7.

Although some people had anticipated that Bantsi would face a fierce battle from his competitors, he sailed through after he was voted by 27 delegates, while his opponents; Phaphane Botlhale and Adam Latham, garnered nine votes each.

Glody Dube retained his vice president position, after beating Kenneth Kikwe with 27 votes to 18. In a closely contested position of secretary general, Legojane Kebaiste emerged victorious with 25 votes, while Tshepo Kelaotswe was voted by 20.

On the vice secretary position, Anna Madisa failed to garner a single vote. The position was won by incumbent Olebogeng Oitebetse with 33 votes while Phemelo Matome registered 12 votes.

Brian Mosweu also managed to retain his position as the treasurer, after he was elected by 18 delegates, Victor Watshipi was elected by 15, whereas Raymond Phale got away with 12 votes.

The new BAA public relations officer is Roland Masalila who snatched the position from Ipolokeng Ramatshaba with 21 votes, followed by Thatayaone Lefatshe with 15, whereas Ramatshaba was voted by nine. Mompati Ngwako and Moses Raputshe remained additional members after beating David Mangogola, Masego Mamotlhagodi, and William Mokwena respectively.

After the elections, Bantsi encouraged those who lost the elections, not to shy away from athletics since their input would help move BAA to greater heights.

He said the new executive committee was willing to work with them, therefore it was paramount that they would not despair since in elections there could only be one winner.

“Do not take that as a punishment, it is just that the affiliates today felt that they can usher in people, not that they hate others, therefore I appeal to all those who did not make it to the executive, to work with us because there are other duties, that you will be able to serve the association,” he said

Bantsi said he was going to allow people to serve in the BAA so that they grow, and make athletics the number one sport in Botswana, Africa and the region, adding that he was confident that the committee would deliver. ends