20 Dec 2021

First Division North League’s Peace Makers football team patron Shaw Kgathi says Peace Makers should not be a platform for politics.

Addressing the team’s management and players during a Christmas Party in Bobonong on Sunday, Kgathi said politics would divide the team and impact on its performance, hence it should be avoided at all costs.

He said working together would take the team to greater heights, as the target was to be promoted to the elite league.

Noting that sports builds teams, Kgathi urged Peace Makers to support and cooperate with Bobonong Stone Breakers, which is in the second division league.

Peace Makers, which is currently on  position four in the Debswana First Division North League log, was promoted this year after trouncing teams in the second division league.

Furthermore Kgathi pleaded with Bobonong residents and the business community to rally behind Peace Makers football club, urging them to pledge contributions of any kind as the team had financial constraints.

He thanked the government for the stadium, which was under construction, saying that it would enhance sports in the Bobirwa area.

For his part, Former National Team Coach Stanley Tshosane said it took discipline, determination and dedication for a team to win the league.

Discipline, he emphasised was key and should apply to the whole team, including the management. Tshosane urged players to abide by the set rules and be on time always.

“If you are determined to win, no team will beat you.

Understand what you want to do and where you do not understand ask,” he advised.

He commended the players for moving the team from second to first division, and to drink responsibly during the festive season to maintain their fitness.

Tshosane said his dream was to see many local players from second and first division leagues joining the national team, adding that for football to grow, Botswana should have more players competing internationally.

First Division league chairperson, Jonas Ikgopoleng said failure to attend matches could impact negatively on a team, first division league as well as the sponsor.

He said the sponsors wanted to associate with teams that had a high level of discipline.

Ikgopoleng called for the training of compliance officers to ensure that COVID-19 protocols were adhered to without fail, as if not properly managed, the disease could impact negatively on the performance of the team and the league as a whole.

He also urged players and the management to put effort to attract sponsors.

The players received groceries and cash amounting to P500 each. ENDS