21 Feb 2016

New Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) president, Dave Gilbert has vowed to work hard to improve the union’s fortunes during his four-year term in office.

Gilbert, who currently serves as the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) vice president, was elected new BRU boss during the union’s annual general meeting held at Botho University in Gaborone on Saturday (February 20).

He garnered 13 votes to beat another presidential aspirant, Munyaradzi Mhonda who received six votes.  It was not the first time Gilbert, 64, had assumed the BRU leadership. He served two terms of two years between 2006 and 2010 before being replaced by Bob Lekan. Gilbert said for the next four years, his administration would be aiming to uplift the standards of rugby in Botswana.  

“I know we have a huge task in front of us. We have a tough job going forward, but hopefully we can rise to the aspirations of the rugby fraternity. We have plans that will better everybody in terms of referees, coaches, administrators, players and how clubs continue survive,” he said in his first speech after being elected.

In particular, he said he would focus on helping to uplift financially crippled clubs so that they become more stable and competitive.  On one hand, he urged the rugby fraternity to avoid infighting and politicking amongst each other but instead work together with the aim of growing their sport. 

“It is a team effort for all of us, the committee and all of the rugby fraternity. Without working together we cannot grow rugby forward and put it up to the heights where we want it to get,” Gilbert said. 

Lesedi Keekae was elected the new vice president administration after getting 10 votes to beat off challenge from Farid Pandor who received nine votes.  Sean Irish became the new vice president technical unopposed. 

Ernest Mantsi garnered 11 votes to become the new secretary general, seeing off competition from Jerome Alabu and Kadimo Modisa who got four votes each.

Vincent Mashaya retained his post as treasurer unopposed, while Thusego Segaise, Mpho Masisi, Bob Lekan, Kingsley Dobrowsky, and Donald Kandima were elected additional members. Keneilwe Modise became the women’s representative in the executive committee. 

The new executive committee would serve a term of four years. Ends