Botswana Judo is expected to grow bigger this year. Speaking at the Botswana Judo Association (BJA) annual general meeting, its Secretary General, Mr Keinetse Keineetse, said that out of the eight teams they have been having, there are two more teams to be added, those being the University of Botswana and Mochudi. “We have 156 registered members and I can say Judo is growing even though it is not evident in some places. It is upon us to recruit more members at our respective bases,” Keineetse said. The outgoing president, Mr Willie Paulsen, said as they come to another end of the year, they can proudly look back at the steady progress they have achieved.
He said the year started with great enthusiasm and their team participated at the 9th African games. He added that a smaller team also took part in the Stellenbosch Rankings held in Stellenbosch, South Africa, where five countries participated. “The competition was very strong looking at the fact that our players did not have enough experience in international participation. Though disappointed, our players were, however, motivated to train much harder for the next African Games”, Paulsen said. He further thanked all the Committee members for the exceptional direction, guidance and support they have shown. “We are very fortunate to have an effective and motivated committee, who has shown a great deal of dedication towards the development of the sport,” he said.
Still at the meeting, a new executive committee was elected. Estony Hattingh filled in the big shoes as the new president of the association. Henock Lowani was elected vice president, Keineetse Keineetse was elected secretary general, while Ana Marques got the treasurer’s post, Dave De Graaff, Marketing Director, Charles Chalegwa Mabua Development Director, with Tim Hosking as an additional member. The new president said she hoped the new and old committee members will always work together for the success of the sport.
She said she hopes they won’t loose the old committee members to other stakeholders. “We will need your courage and support here and please do not leave our association,” she said.
