Biography honours Major Brights legacy
30 Nov 2024
Major David Bright’s name will feature prominently in the National Olympic Council’s forthcoming project, 'The First, The Best and The Number Ones'.
Speaking at the Major David Bright biography launch on Thursday, Botswana National Olympic Committee president, Botsang Tshenyego, said the initiative seeks to immortalise Botswana's excellent stars.
“And individuals like Major Bright exemplify the qualities they aim to celebrate: innovation, resilience, and extraordinary impact,” he said.
He said Major Bright’s illustrious career included multiple stints as the coach of the national team, the Zebras, and an exceptional tenure with Santos in South Africa's Premier Soccer League, where he became the only Botswana coach to work at this elite level.
His achievements, he said were a testament to the strength of football to mobilise communities, inspire socio-economic change, and unite societies under a shared banner of excellence.
“I must also use this moment to advocate for football's evolving role. Today, as we honour Major Bright’s legacy, I call upon the Botswana Football Association to strengthen ties with the military in its new strategy,” he said.
Tshenyego said militaries worldwide had historically been critical partners in sports development, and they must not overlook the potential.
In today’s world, he said, football must embrace its role in climate action adding that the football community, at every level, had the capacity to lead impactful environmental initiatives.
The Botswana National Sports Commission chairperson, Marumo Morule, said the book represented the culmination of over five years of dedication.
He said the journey began in 2019 when Molefi Obenne explored Major Bright’s perspectives in Botswana Football: A Fool’s Paradise—Another Day in Paradise.
He said the project evolved in 2020, with a focus on Major Bright’s bond with his late son in Botswana Football: A Fool’s Paradise-My Father.
Morule said following Major Bright’s passing in 2021, Obenne felt compelled to tell his story, with the family graciously supporting the endeavour despite their grief.
“However, the journey was not without challenges. The family faced a series of losses, including the passing of one of Major Bright’s siblings in 2022 and, heartbreakingly, his eldest son, Mogomotsi Bright, in 2023. These tragedies delayed the book’s release, but the determination to honour Major Bright prevailed,” he said.
He, however said on June 13, which was Major Bright’s birthday, the book was released as a symbolic tribute at 13:06 hours. He said since then, it has been shared with players, media, coaches, and administrators in smaller sessions, leading to main launch.
Talking about Major Bright, he said at the heart of Major Bright’s philosophy were the 'three Fs' -Fairness, Firmness and Friendliness.
He said the principles defined his interactions with people across diverse spheres, enabling him to touch lives in profound and unique ways.
His biography, he said captured the essence, painting his life across 13 distinct milestone or chapters, symbolising the day of the month he was born.
“Fittingly, Major Bright’s football career also echoed this number. He coached 13 teams in Botswana, spanning from the Second Division to the Premier League,” he said.
Morule said Major Bright’s leadership earned him over 13 accolades, including promotions, cups, and medals, both at the club level and with national teams.
“A pioneer among Batswana, he displayed courage by venturing into South Africa’s premier and first divisions as a coach, leaving an indelible mark,” he said.
Meanwhile, the biography was authored by Molefi Obenne and all proceed will all go towards Major Bright’s monument site. ENDS.
Source : BOPA
Author : Anastacia Sibanda
Location : Gaborone
Event : launch
Date : 30 Nov 2024
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