07 Jul 2024

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi was among multitudes of mourners who bid farewell to one of Botswana’s football stalwarts, Matshidiso ‘Sexton’ Kowa in Moshupa on Saturday. .

Kowa, who died on June 29 after a long illness, was described by many as one the pioneers of football in Botswana.

Most of those who took to the podium said he was a very dedicated individual, very loving and a hard worker of note.

Minister of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, Tumiso Rakgare said Kowa was not just a coach but a parent to many.

“He helped government in creating jobs through his love of sports, which employs many people,” he said.

He said Kowa would be remebered through his hardwork and dedication, adding that even government recognised his work by bestowing him with a number of accolades amongst them being Presidential Order of Meritorious Service and induction into the BNSC Hall of Fame.

He was also the inaugural awardee of the Botswana Football Association president’s award.

He said Kowa had a vision to build an academy, saying he did that a long time back because he produced players in likes of Mogakolodi Ngele who went on to play in the national football team and the South Africa Premier League.

One of Kowa’s friends, Barney Modikoane said Kowa was an epitome of love and was always willing to go an extra mile for others whenever his help was needed.

Away from football, most of his friends and former colleagues said he found joy in jazz music and also loved dog breeding.

Kgosi Nyalala Pilane of Moruleng, South Africa also said Kowa was a humble soul, saying they grew up together during their youthful days.

“Just like any boy growing up, we were fond of playing games that the boy child would play during our day like hunting birds,” he said.

He said Kowa was a true leader who never sought self-gratification because he was always sure of what he wanted to do.

Amongst some of his achievements, Kowa was amongst the first people to form Mochudi Centre Chiefs in 1970 before breaking away with some of his mates to form Uniao Flamingo Desportos in 1985, which later merged with Gabane Santos to become Uniao Flamingo Santos which went on to win the Coca Cola Cup in 2003.

He leaves behind his wife and four children. Ends