Botswana Netball Association (BONA) president Mpopi Moatlhodi has called on affiliates to put the interests of the sport ahead of personal agendas. She encouraged teams to work together and remain committed to developing netball in the country.
Moatlhodi’s appeal comes in the aftermath of the association’s failed Extra Ordinary Meeting. The meeting, which was due to be held last weekend in Palapye, failed to take place as affiliates did not form a quorum. Only six of BONA’s 18 affiliates attended, while one arrived an hour late, making it impossible to proceed with the meeting.
“It is disappointing that such an important meeting could not take place,” Moatlhodi said. “Teams, no matter how strongly they want change, must follow laid-down procedures. We can only progress if we respect the rules and structures that guide us.”
The Palapye meeting was meant to discuss financial reports and adopt a new constitution — two key issues that have been pending for some time. According to the BONA constitution, another meeting will have to be convened within 30 days, and it is expected to take place in Francistown.
Moatlhodi also expressed concern over the growing tendency by some teams to bypass proper communication channels. She said that some clubs in the Southern Zone had proposed meeting directly with the BONA executive committee, which she said goes against the association’s structure.
“Teams can meet their zonal executive committees or raise issues at general meetings,” she explained. “It is not proper for them to call for meetings directly with the BONA executive outside the agreed framework.” The BONA president acknowledged that teams were facing serious financial challenges, especially since there is no sponsor for the national league. The lack of sponsorship has made it difficult to sustain competitions and offer meaningful rewards to clubs.
“There are teams asking us to share prize money, but we cannot do that because there is no money available,” Moatlhodi said. “We cannot prepare a budget based on funds that do not exist. We are still working hard to attract sponsors who can help us bring stability to the league.”
She added that despite these challenges, the BONA executive remains committed to growing the sport, improving governance, and ensuring fair play.
“Our objectives can only be achieved through mutual understanding and collective responsibility,” Moatlhodi said. “We must all pull in the same direction if we want to see Botswana netball progress.”
Moatlhodi further explained that her committee is open to constructive suggestions and will continue to serve the sport with humility to achieve the best results. She warned that divisions within the association are counterproductive and will not bring positive outcomes for the sport now or in the future.
The failure to hold the Palapye meeting has once again highlighted the administrative and structural challenges facing the sport. Without unity and consistent participation from affiliates, the association’s plans for development and reform risk being delayed.
As the next meeting in Francistown approaches, all eyes will be on the affiliates to see whether they respond to the president’s call for cooperation and take part in shaping the future of Botswana netball.
