NEW BOXING PRESIDENT CALLS FOR UNITY
New Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) president, Gilbert Khunwane has called on affiliates to be united in order to take the sport forward. Khunwane became victorious in a highly contested election over the weekend.
The presidential position had four candidates, Dirang Thipe, Michael Moroka, Michael Lefiri and Khunwane. In the first round, Thipe got four votes while five went to Lefiri. Moroka and Khunwane each received seven votes.
The elections went to a second round where Moroka and Khunwane had a tie once again. The two candidates stepped outside the venue for a short discussion on how to break the tie. Finally the tie was broken in the third round. Khunwane won by 14 votes to 10 for Moroka.
There was also a tie for vice president between Hlanganani Digwere and Othusitse Mogotsakgotla. Upon going for the second round, Mogotsakgotla won with 13 votes against Digwere’s 11.. The additional member position also went for a tie breaker between Boitumelo Taolo and Peter Tshenyego. Taolo emerged victorious over Tshenyego with 13 votes.
Accepting his new responsibility, Khunwane who replacied Dr Thato Patlakwe said boxing affiliates have shown trust in his leadership together with his executive committee.
“Nobody has won, hence nobody celebrated when it was announced who had won which position. It was not a competition. At the end of the day, boxing has won. Even those who are not in the committee, they are still part of us. There were ties during elections, it is a sign that you trusted us all,” he said.
Khunwane said some people have a tendency of disappearing and only to be seen after four years. He called on the 24 clubs to work together for the sake of the sport. Khunwane said if his committee is not delivering, affiliates should not wait for elections but they should speak up.
Taolo Tlouetsile emerged victorious over Irene Ntelamo for the position of secretary general with 13 votes. Moitshepi Nkabiti is the new spokesperson for boxing after beating Emmanuel Boefelo with 16 votes to eight.