By Oratile Otsetswe
Sport in Botswana knows no gender boundaries as women take, with much vigour than ever before, leadership positions in different sport administration codes.
A few weeks after Tsoseletso Magang was assigned as the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) Vice-Chairperson, the former Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) spokesperson Keenese Katisenge was appointed as the new Botswana Sports Volunteers Movement (SVM) Chairperson this past week on the 28th of March.Katisenge is taking over from Ntebo Maplanka who led the SVM organisation for a term of two years.
In an interview Katisenge revealed that the appointment shows she has the ability to lead a large movement like the SVM.She added that the position gives her an assignment to collaborate relationships with other stakeholders for a smooth facilitation of sport in Botswana.
“This is an assignment that I need to show commitment and dedication to. I would like to meet with the SVM committee soon so that we can come up with new strategies to continue where the previous members left. We have to make sure we grow SVM into a reputable brand to comply with the mandate of the organisation,” she added.
Katisenge explained that the appointment is an indication that if people work hard someone will recognize their efforts and thus she did not go unnoticed. She noted that she is excited to contribute to women occupying sport leadership roles in the country because it is an indication that women have the ability to lead in sport.
Katisenge said her aim is to successfully lead the SVM so she can add on to the assurance that women are capable of playing a positive impact in sport.
“Oh wow congratulations to Keenese.I have no doubt that she will deliver and drive the movement levels with the right support system. God shall guide you in your journey and yes you shall conquer,” the former SVM chairperson congratulated the newly appointed SVM leader Katisenge.
On her part women activist Game Mothibi said people are becoming alive to the fact that women are able. She added that the advocacy for inclusion of women in sport is working because women are now leading organisations.
She mentioned that she is confident that Katisenge will successfully run the SVM because she is a good leader. She added that Katisenge has done a lot to sport and she holds leadership skills which she acquired at the leadership programme at the United States of America.
“Women have a potential to run associations however women should be trained in order to strengthen their leadership abilities,” Mothibi added.
