08 Aug 2021

Extension Gunners’ new executive committee has been implored to be transparent when transforming the club.

The new committee was elected during the club’s virtual annual general meeting on Saturday.

In his keynote address, club elder and former chairperson, Francis Mokwena said Gunners’ supporters expected the new executive committee to change the club into a better organisation.

“There should be open and frequent engagement between supporters and the executive committee for that change to be achieved. There should also be transparency,” Mokwena said.

He also urged the committee to open up revenue streams for the club by exploiting the opportunities offered by the club’s big fan base.

Mokwena also asked supporters to engage the committee and contribute to the club.

Outgoing vice chairperson, Ian Kebopetswe, said achievements over the past 12 months included a membership drive.

Kebopetswe said their recently completed broadcasting partnership with Khuduga Television showed that the club was growing. He said Khuduga Television had agreed to broadcast live Gunners matches when the Premier League competition resumed.

Kebopetswe further said the club was in negotiations with Lobatse Town Council for use of the council stadium as its home base.

The new committee is led by Rapula Okaile who was endorsed unopposed as chairperson.

Okaile replaced George Kerekang who held the position since 2019. Okaile was previously chairperson of both Gaborone United and the Botswana Premier League, but resigned from both positions in 2018.

Trade unionist, Ketlhalefile Motshegwa, was elected vice-chairperson.

The club retained Edwin Mabapa as the secretary general while Benson Mere was elected vice secretary. Other members of the committee are Ivy Same (treasurer)Bruno Masisi (team manager), Brian Ketshabile (marketing manager), Mpho Nkadimeng (welfare manager) and Oarabile Kgosiesele (public relations officer). ENDS