26 Jul 2023

Botswana soccer export to Algeria Tumisang ‘Teenage’ Orebonye has been applauded for his exploits in the North African country where he plays for USM Alger.

In a special dinner organised for the star before he heads back to his base, Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare said Orebonye’s achievements in Algeria were not only personal, but also represented the nation.

Rakgare was speaking in reference to the recent developments where Orebonye won the Confederations Cup with his team, a first ever by a Motswana player.
“Thanks for the good job you did.

We would also like to appreciate the way you celebrated the win, finding the need to drape on our national flag to show your national pride. The fact that you started playing football in the dusty grounds like most local kids here should be an inspiration to them that they too could go far with their choices of sporting careers,” he said.

He implored the player to work even harder and strive to play for bigger leagues in Europe.

Rakgare also said Botswana was one of the countries that took better care of its athletes, although he said there was always room for improvement.

“Compared to other countries of similar economic status, Botswana fares much better when it comes to athletes’ welfare,” he said.

Rakgare cited the 2020 Tokyo Olympics team, which he said was given incentives before the games and rewarded with houses upon bringing medals home.

“In Namibia, Mboma (Christine) brought a medal but she did not get the same appreciation like our athletes,” he said.

Rakgare also implored the private sector to come on board and assist sport financially to relieve government of the burden.

“For his part, Orebonye indicated that from as young as primary school age, he informed his peers that one day he would play in one of the best leagues in Africa, something he said he was happy that it came to pass.

“Algeria has one of the best leagues in the continent, and one needs determination, discipline and commitment to succeed there, especially if you are a foreigner because the supporters could be quit impatient and would not give you a chance to settle. So you have to hit the ground running from the first game,” he said.

He said he was however, happy that he was able to endear himself to the supporters with his performance, even from his initial days in North Africa with Moroccan outfit, OC Khouribga.

“I have always had this self-belief that I will succeed in football.

I have settled well in Algeria despite having joined the team mid-season, and I have already established myself in the starting 11,” he said.

Orebonye also assured the nation of good representation, and that he would continue to work even harder.

He said that his team would be playing in the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia on September 3, where he expressed hope to again make history for himself and the country.

Botswana Football Association vice president, Masego Ntshingane also hailed Orebonye as an inspiration to many local soccer players, and that he had given them a desire to play abroad.

“We are positive that you will use your experience to inspire the national team players in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers,” he said.

Orebonye will be flying back to Algeria this Saturday ahead of the start of the league season. ENDS