27 Feb 2023

Government is ready and committed to meeting Super League Legends halfway with several empowerment schemes offered across sectors of the economy, Minister for State President, Kabo Morwaeng, has said.

Officiating at the Super League Legends gala dinner on Saturday, he appealed to football legends to use their celebrated status and community influence to make positive impact. 

“Help us to drive community up-liftment, lifestyle and behavior change on social issues of concern such as combating child abuse and GBV, alcohol and drug abuse,” he said.

Morwaeng said football legends were well placed to help society combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by inculcating a culture of fitness and healthy living. 

He urged them to partner with organisations such as National AIDS and Health Promotion Agency.

He indicated that legends should continually learn and empower themselves through networking and collaborations with other regional and continental legends. 

“The message is also directed to the younger and active sportsmen and women on what they need to do during their hey days to ensure a more stable life after sports,” said Morwaeng

He said it was great that the legends’ call was inclusive of former players, technical staff, administrators, referees and media personnel. 

“This is a direct response to the need to reset and refresh the livelihoods of those who have given so much to the beautiful game of football,” he said.

 Morwaeng urged the football legends to be cautious as they establish a cooperative.

“Be mindful of the history of cooperatives in Botswana. History teaches that most failures of cooperatives was largely on account of lack of teamwork. I, however, take heart in that, since legends are natural team players, both on and off the pitch, this will be a trouble-free team work,” he said.

For his part, South Africa football legend and guest of honour, Theophilus ‘Doctor’ Khumalo said he was humbled by the invitation, adding that the support that South Africa clubs and national team received from Botswana contributed immensely to their success when South Africa was re-admitted into FIFA activities.

He said Bafana Bafana appreciated the support from the Zebras through friendly matches as they were preparing for the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Your national team played a significant role in building Bafana Bafana. We are what we are and rated as among the best in Africa through your tutelage,” he said.

Khumalo added that establishing a cooperative was a smart move by retired football players. 

He said Super League Legends through their cooperatives must stand tall and do whatever it takes to claim their position in the society. 

“You are our sport history therefore you deserve a wall of fame,” he said.

Khumalo indicated that partnership and collaboration among legends across the continent would  bring back the pride of football. ENDs