allAfrica.com: Botswana: The Man Behind Rugby's Success (Page 1 of 1)

About five years ago, Botswana rugby received very little attention if any. But now rugby is one of the most followed sports in the country. Around Gaborone and the surrounding areas, the replica jerseys of the national team - the Vultures - is popular wear.

In this transformation of Botswana rugby, one name stands out. Dave Gilbert. Five years ago, he joined the Botswana Rugby Union (BRU) at a time when the organisation was striving to move the sport to the next level. He came in as treasurer and served in the position for two years.

"I was approached some five years ago by some players and past administrators and asked if I would help with the administration of Botswana rugby with a view to taking the game forward," he said. After serving the union as treasurer, he took over as president. Gilbert was not new in the rugby circles when he joined BRU. He is a former rugby player. "I played at school level and then at tertiary level in England during my studies before returning to SA where the geographical location of my job did not allow me to continue playing," he said.

He pointed out that he was inspired to join rugby by the excitement and camaraderie in the game. Born in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1951, Gilbert has been married for 34 years with three children - two daughters and a son. Though being president of an organisation is a challenging job, he has been very fortunate to have a family that gives him the support to perform his duties. Except his wife, everybody in his family is very passionate about rugby. His son Gareth is coach of the Vultures. He was in charge of the team that won the Confederation of African Rugby (CAR) Castel Tournament last year. "I think this achievement is even more commendable because we work together in the union and I feel I have to be quite hard on him so as not to be perceived by people as favouring him as my son. So yes it is actually very hard on both of us, and I believe if we were not so passionate about the game we would not be working together in the BRU," said Gilbert senior. He added that despite the efforts he is putting in his administrative duties in the BRU, rugby is bigger than an individual and therefore he is certainly not looking for recognition.

He said that he is doing his job for the love of the game. Where does Gilbert see Botswana rugby in the next few years? "If all goes according to plan, Botswana Sevens Rugby team should be playing in the international circuit. The women should be playing in the African tournaments while the Under-15s should be playing with the big boys of African rugby (not the Springboks though). Playing facilities should be up and running which will benefit all age groups," he said. He could not comment on the recent reports that he and his former vice president, Bob Lekan did not see eye to eye. But he said they shook hands after the recent BRU elections.

He said that he is happy with what he has achieved as an administrator at the BRU. "Rugby I believe has good corporate governance. We are audited every year. Sponsors are keen to assist in growing the game and more and more people are playing the game. The main areas of concern are the lack of playing facilities available to schools and clubs around the country. This is one of my concerns at the moment," he added. Other interesting facts about Gilbert: He admires South African Springboks captain, John Smit. His favourite local football team is the Under-23 national side, dubbed the Dream Team.

He is a fan of English Premier League side, Tottenham Hotspurs. Locally his favourite player is Diphetogo Selolwane. He admires David Beckham. He loves the 1960s and 1970s music and Bee Gees is his favourite group. His favourite movie is Forrest Gump and his best actor is Chevy Chase.

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