01 Dec 2013

The president of Botswana Bridge Federation (BBF), Keneilwe Mosomodi has challenged members to form more community clubs to grow the sport.

Addressing the federations’ annual general assembly in Mogoditshane on November 30, she said bridge struggled to attract more players because there were few community clubs at the moment. The cards-playing sport was played mostly by students from local schools.

Mosomodi said there were about four community clubs in Gaborone, Francistown and Mochudi that were BBF members. She said unless there were more community clubs, the sport would have a challenge of attracting and retaining older players.

The meeting endorsed a proposal to cluster the country into three regions, the north, central and south, for schools tournaments. That was done to ease congestion which was caused by increasing participation in schools tournaments.

From next year schools would play regional competitions with the best performing players qualifying for the nationals.  Meanwhile, the federation held enjoyed peaceful elections that saw all candidates voted into posts unopposed. 

Mosomodi retained her position as president as members felt she has done a sterling job.  Rodgers Kekgethile from Shoshong Senior Secondary School was elected secretary general. Former public relations officer Thatayotlhe Maele became the federation’s new treasurer. 

He was replaced as PRO by Thapelo Gaongalelwe while Kabelo Gordon was elected as youth coordinator. The committee would be in office for a one year term before the federation switches to a four-year term next year. 

Botswana National Sports Council board member, Seabe Raditladi commended the federation for its effort to grow the sport. He encouraged them to take advantage of funding schemes offered by BNSC such as the Zebra Fund, Elite Sponsorship Fund, Sport Development Fund to develop their code. 

He also advised them to brand the code so that it can be attractive to sponsors. Ends