01 Dec 2021

Athletes have been urged to be good ambassadors of Botswana at AUSC Region 5 games slated for Lesotho, Maseru from tomorrow to December 12.

A team of 174 athletes and 65 officials, led by Peaceful Seleka as the chef de mission and Tebogo Mogomotsi as the general team manager will represent the country at the games.

Athletes will compete in 11 sport disciplines namely, athletics, athletics for the disabled, basketball, boxing, football, Judo, netball, swimming, taekwondo, tennis and volleyball.

Speaking during an official sendoff ceremony of the team on Tuesday, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Tumiso Rakgare advised athletes to be on their best behaviour that Batswana were known for.

Rakgare explained that despite significant financial investment made and robustness of games preparations in the midst of challenges, Batswana should know that this time, the aim would not be to fight to finish in the top three in the region.

“This is because of a change of philosophy and approach to our athlete development,” he said. He indicated that the intention was to go far, to nurture them over the years such that in 2027 and 2028, they would be doing Botswana proud at the Africa Cup of Nations in football and the Los Angeles Olympic Games respectively.

Rakgare, therefore, advised the athletes to have fun on the field of play, noting that what was expected of them was to do their best and that anything else would be a bonus.

He thanked stakeholders who made it possible for the team to compete in Lesotho and sponsors who supported sport development initiatives.

For his part, Botswana National Sports Council  chairperson, Marumo Morule said it was not an easy task to assemble the team during the difficult time of COVID-19.

He urged the team to enjoy the games and represent themselves and the country well.

“Good behaviour makes a good person. Be good ambassadors of Botswana,” he said.

BNOC 2nd vice president, Boineelo Hardy reminded the athletes that they were being sent to Lesotho as ambassadors of Botswana, therefore.

She thanked them for their commitment and hard work, as well as all those who played a part in preparing the team for the games. ENDS