21 Nov 2024

Government will ensure that the two national football teams, the Mares and the Zebras will be given equal treatment as they prepare to compete in Africa’s showpieces in 2025.

The Mares will compete at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be held in Morocco in July, whereas the Zebras, who just qualified for AFCON will compete in December in Morocco as well.

Minister of Sports and Arts, Jacob Kelebeng said as the government, they were happy that the two teams would represent the country at the two continental tournaments.

In that regard, he said it was important that preparations should be of high quality, adding that they would have to meet with the Botswana Football Association, to know their needs and how they could be assisted for them to fully prepare.

“But what I can assure you is that the two teams will be treated equally in terms of preparations. The ultimate goal is for them to represent us with pride,” he said.

Kelebeng said government alone would not achieve the ultimate goal of supporting the national teams.

He therefore pleaded with the private sector to come on board and help.

Meanwhile, speaking during the Zebras welcome ceremony at the National Stadium on November 20, Kelebeng said as per the revised Botswana Incentives and Rewards Policy, the players would be given P14 000 each.

He said he had a conversation with Members of Parliament and they were willing to contribute something to give to the players to appreciate their AFCON qualification.

Minister Kelebeng said as government, through the newly established Ministry of Sport and Arts, they would strive to provide adequate support and ensure that they capacitate the necessary organs in order to facilitate national teams.

“I pledge our government’s support towards improving delivery of sport. I wish to remind all here present today of government’s plea to all those in the private sector, to assist our national teams sport structures.” he said. Ends