01 Apr 2025

Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) allocated an amount of £4 000 (P59 364.00) to women development and women’s rugby in the past year. 

Delivering his maiden speech as BRU president at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, Farid Pandor said a notable progress was made towards the development of women in rugby though it was not enough. Additionally, he said 11 women were accredited to do first aid in rugby. However, he said the challenge was that they were not active in their clubs after being trained. 

Pandor also congratulated one of the board members, Tjeludo Monyai, who was appointed into a rugby regional structure. 

“She has been appointed to the Women’s Rugby Advisory Committee’s Sustainability Working Group (Sustainability WRAC-WG),” he said.

He said one of the notable achievements of the past year was the introduction of rugby to the deaf community in Francistown through the development office, promoting inclusivity and community engagement. Pandor advised committee members to remain steadfast, enthusiastic and subordinate to the affiliates, which they served. 

Pandor said the AGM was a platform for interaction on the union performance, to discuss strategy for going forward as well as discuss the impact, achievements and challenges. He said the sport code was affiliated and dependent on World Rugby, Rugby Africa and the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) for grants and subventions. 

“We are also required to fulfil certain instructions by these bodies,” he said. 

Pandor said the BRU strategic plan was coming to an end, therefore had found it fit to engage a consultant, Mooketsi Ramakele, to assist in designing the next four-year strategy aligned to that of Rugby Africa and the BNSC. On funds allocation, Pandor said £7 750 (P115 017.75) was towards improving leadership and effective governance in all the rugby clubs. 

In an effort to make rugby a sport of choice by ensuring retention of human capital and improve performance, Pandor said the strategic goal was allocated an £2 000 (P29 682.00) towards salaries and administration

 On training and education aimed at increasing and enhancing quality and quantity of coaches, match officials, administrators, medical personnel and work force an amount of £6 000 (P89 046.00) was allocated. He said £12 750 (P189 222.75) was allocated for strengthening participation programmes and improving linkage through schools rugby participation. 

BRU was also engaged in reviewing its constitution of 2016 in order to align it to the current and contemporary needs.

 “As we endeavour to uphold high levels of governance and adherence to compliance standards as prescribed by our principals, I therefore wish to urge all of you to comply with the union constitution,” said Pandor. 

Over the course of 2024, he said BRU had successfully secured sponsorships aimed at supporting the national teams and enhancing various operations of the union. 

“These partnerships are a testament to the growing confidence in our rugby programmes and our commitment to developing the sport at all levels,” he said.

 Regarding the domestic league, Pandor said he was happy to announce that rugby was back. 

“Just last weekend we witnessed a 7’s tournament, which addressed one of our critical wishes, which has been club funding,” he said.

He said clubs were encouraged to seek own sponsorship, as the union sponsorship could never be enough to run clubs.

 “The year’s programme kick-started by 7s tournaments in Palapye and I’m happy that there were four ladies teams and eight men’s teams as a start and we encourage clubs to fully attend and participate in such events and activities,” he said. 

He said the union enhanced match officials’ exposure by facilitating their officiating in neighbouring countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. ENDS