20 Jun 2022

Botswana Netball Association (BONA) stand to benefit from the 2023 World Netball Cup Legacy programme, which was launched in Gaborone on June 17.

Speaking at the launch, Netball South Africa (NSA) president, Cecilia Molokwane, said under the programme, BONA would get a sprung floor worth P28 million.

“NSA realised the need for proper infrastructure in Botswana that can prepare athletes for international competitions,” Molokwane said.

The legacy programme, she said, was a build up to the World Netball Cup billed for Cape Town next year, for the first time on African soil.

Molokwane also explained that the programme was a collaboration between BONA and NSA aimed at reviving Botswana netball.

“When we did the legacy programme, we chose Botswana because BONA used to be our competitors and we realised that the sport was gradually dying therefore we wanted to revive it. We cannot shine alone in the world. We have to shine with our brothers and sisters in the continent and Botswana was one of the chosen countries,” said Molokwane.

She further announced that the programme would not only capacitate the coaches and umpires, but accredit them with international qualifications.

Molokwane also revealed that the national team would also get a head coach, Jenny Van Dyk from South Africa.

“Van Dyk will be with the team in the world cup qualifiers and through to the 2023 games whether it qualifies or not. Training will continue as part of the legacy to the 2023 World Cup,” she said.

Meanwhile, Netball Friday t-shirts, were also launched, an initiative that would see netball lovers wear them every Friday to celebrate the Legacy programme.

Botswana National Olympics Committee (BNOC) senior vice president, Tshepho Sitale, said the legacy programme came at a time when Botswana was in dire need, hences applauding NSA for their gesture ENDS