NEW BADMINTON LEADERSHIP REVIVES THE SPORT
After being voted into office a fortnight ago, the newly elected Botswana Badminton Association (BBA) committee will be hands on deck trying to revive the sport that was once promising and oozing with huge talent.
Newly elected President, Moses Macheke took over from his predecessor, Hamilton Mphinyane and will be trying to dig the association out of its problems.
“Our intention is to revive badminton to be a sport of interest for many, so that we can develop many athletes in the country; we will do this by ensuring that stakeholders’ relationships are positive, both internal and external stakeholders.
“Internal may mean having regular contact with member affiliates, including providing regular feedback to clubs and commissions. On external aspect, we want to establish and maintain a close relationship with the media, whom I recognise as crucial in building a certain image as they help in publicising our game,” he said in an interview this week.
Macheke added that every association or organisation has its own challenges, and so does badminton, thus they will have to appreciate the situation the association is under and understand the status quo first, which will then help them to shape the future of the sport.”
The former Vice President says he
is expecting the transition to be smooth as he has been in the association before. “Yes, I have been in the Association before although it was a very short spell. So I am not expecting a smooth road based on circumstances, yet a good one, considering the little experience I grasped during that short stint.”
Sponsorship challenges continue to grace most associations locally and BBA will be no exception. “Obviously one of the challenges will be finding partnerships and sponsorship to grow the game. However, I am confident that we will prevail
considering the team we have in the newly elected Association,” he stressed.
“It is such a diversified team with varying experience and very energetic. I also have a very positive relationship with the previous committee who are very supportive and important for continuity purposes.”
Macheke would want to leave behind a culture of openness and transparency, which he thinks might help to attract and produce many athletes. Hence, paramount in building a reputation that will attract sponsors in Badminton.