01 Dec 2022

Botswana Tertiary Students Sports Association (BOTESSA) merger with the Botswana Brigades Sports Association (BOBSA) will not only change sports landscapes in tertiary institutions, but bring desires results.

Speaking on Wednesday during the first elective AGM since BOTESSA and BOBSA’s merger the president of BOTESSA, Keorapetse Setlhare said they had continued on the good work that others had done previously in the advancement of Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) strategy of developing sports.

He said they had since made partnerships and engaged with some South African universities, adding they had secured funding with FNB.

Setlhare highlighted that this year proved to be a defining moment for BOTESSA’s history, adding they completed the assignments given to them as the executive committee.

“Work done throughout the course of the year was a testament to the incredible efforts by members,” he said.

He further thanked both the executive committees for their visionary leadership.

Regarding, the elections of a new merged committee, Setlhare said the elections revealed the range of mission and the changing nature of university sports.

In light of good governance, he said the association was up to date with audited finances, saying lack of accountability contributed to the seeming endemic failures of good governance. 

He said well implemented governance principles protect them against naked greed, connivance and incompetence in their structures.

Setlhare highlighted that in light of improved governance, the association was awarded the BNSC Resilent Sports Association of the Year.

He said the association was currently on the final stage of the merger process in the fourth quarter as per the transition plan which was adopted by both members, and therefore thanked the member affiliates for their patience and significant contribution through the transition process for the two entities to become one.

He said both executive committees signed an agreement to utilise the resources jointly organising sporting activities such as the North and South Athletics Competitions, National Athletics Competition in Gaborone, and CUCSA Games in Malawi, Lilongwe.

He also said both teams were able to appoint the Elections committee with members from both BOTESSA and BOBSA.

“Both Executive committees has engaged Botswana National Sports Commission to advice on the transition process in preparation for the elective,” he said

The AGM was sanctioned by the constitution for the members to receive the President address, the executive committee report, the report of the auditors of the association and the financial statements in respect to the preceding financial year

Setlhare said the meeting was sorely to make sound decisions to move BOTESSA forward and take radical approach in sports development. ENDS