Mukokomani era concludes at BSA
Long time Botswana Softball Association (BSA) president Tirelo Mukokomani is allegedly on his way out of the association he has led for years. The BSA elective assembly is expected sometime next year where a new leader is expected to emerge.
Mukokomani confirmed his place to depart from the BSA executive committee in a meeting this week. “I have served my time, somebody can take it to the next level.” After leading the BSA for six years he said he regretted leaving the association before introduction of baseball structures in the country. However, Scania as Mukokomani is known in softball circles vowed to increase the number of women officials and coaches before the end of his term. Nonetheless, the sports administrator did not want to share his future endeavour beyond the BSA.
The BSA president could not be drawn into discussing the African and Olympic qualifiers next year. Nevertheless he sounded like a worried man over the matter. “There is too much politics in Botswana sports. You never know peoples agenda and motives,” he said. Mukokomani, who will leave behind an illustrious sports administration career, took a swipe at some sport leaders and accused them of being in sports for personal gains. However, Mukokomani said with adequate preparations, the local ladies softball team has potential to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games.
Meanwhile, BSA vice president Katlholo Mosimanegape is seen by many as the natural successor to Mukokomani. In a brief interview this week, Mosimanegape said it was too early to discuss the issue of succeeding Mukokomani. “I will talk to you when I am ready”. Another likely successor to Mukokomani is Masego Kwapa who challenged the incumbent at the last elective assembly. However Kwapa was said to be busy building her team when reached for comment. The team was formed as a breakaway group from Dinare. Those close to the sport argue that Kwapa should direct more energy to the club, which needs a lot of energy and direction.
Meanwhile, this year is key to the BSA as they are expected to host the eagerly anticipated World Baseball Softball Congress in Gaborone. Presidents for the two world federations, Baseball Division Executive Director Michael Schmidt and Softball Division Executive Director, Ron Radigonda, were in the country earlier this year to inspect the proposed conferencing facilities and to assess preparations on part of the BSA.