Orapa United rejects Big Lesh
Sport
Orapa United is likely to face far- reaching consequences of a decision taken to terminate Lesego Galenamotlhale’s contract on account that his injury deemed him surplus to requirement. Before succumbing to a long term injury during the off season, Galenamotlhale signed a two year deal to help fire an upturn at the mining giants.
But sometimes around the second week of December last year, United’s executive committee took a rather baffling decision to trigger his premature tenure. It is said that some committee members say the future of the midfield maestro was dulled by injuries and a confidence that refused to boom. He joined the emerging Orapa giants a season ago after former club Mochudi Centre Chiefs could not meet his salary demands.
Galenamotlhale’s contract was to expire in June 2020. During the termination phase, The Ostriches committed to pay the players’ full salary as well as medical bills until he returns to full fitness. However, Footballers ‘Union Botswana (FUB), an organ that advocates for the rights of players feels the club did not follow legal procedures when terminating Galenamotlhale’s deal.
“It is true we are representing the player and our understanding is that a contract between a professional player and a club may only be terminated on expiry of the term of the contract or by mutual agreement. Other exceptions to termination without consequences of any kind are ‘just cause’ and ‘sporting just cause,” FUB Secretary General Kgosana Masaseng said. He continued, “As far as we are concerned, the route taken by Orapa did not satisfy FIFA statutes, it is thus our position that the purported termination without due compensation is unlawful.”
United has reshuffled their midfield options over a period of time, signing players like Mabaya and Onkemetse Powe to help the industrial Tendai Nyumasi and the more reliable Tapiwa Nyamandjiva going forward. United management complained at times last season at the lack of productivity from their midfielders and they hoped that the signing of former Zebras and Center Chiefs captain could bring a new dimension.
The Ostriches have always sought to have leaders in their squad, players who have won big games and could bolster the collective belief. Their signing of “Big Lesh” last season was rooted, in part, by what he could bring away from the field. Galenamotlhale was among the top earners at Orapa United and should the club lose the looming contractual battle, they will pay a leg and an arm.
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The year 2022 witnessed unprecedented phenomena. Several Africans- Gotytom Gebreslase, Sharon Lokedi, Victor Kiplangat, Tamarit Tola and many others- swept the World’s marathons records.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the resulting control measures implemented in several countries, led to many high-level sports competitions being cancelled or shelved, the Dakar 2022 Youth Olympic Games was moved to 2026.
Founder and Executive Chairman, African Sports and Creative Institute, Will Mabiakop, says the inability to hold traditional and amateur sports events have had a serious effect on public health overall, including mental health, sparking a revolution whereby athletes began to talk more openly about stress, mental overload and performance anxiety.
“Africa is home to the fastest growing economies before the crisis, no longer on track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). COVID-19 deepened interdependence between SDGs, making them harder to achieve, especially SDG 10 (reducing inequality) and SDG 5 (gender equality_ as the pandemic had a disproportionate impact on poorer countries, and heavier burdens (such as care work) fell to women.”
Mabiakop stresses that as policymakers contemplate actions to speed up recovery and build resilience, they must argue that sports and creative businesses should play a central feature in this effort.
“The sports economy worldwide is estimated at 5% of GDP, but only 0.5% in Africa. If exploited, Africa’s sports and creative industries can offer policymakers innovative solutions. Especially, as regards job creation, and providing employment to the 15 million people entering the job market annually.”
HOW CAN THE INDUSTRY DO THIS?
By leveraging the two-for-one concept: past studies shown that a 1% growth in the economy delivers a 2% job increment in this sector (these ratios are calculated using data from 48 African countries and adjusted to the reality of the sports economy in Africa by the authors). There are between 30 and 50 job types, in sports and creative industries, respectively. These jobs do not fade away with the first major shock.
Mabiakop indicated that policymakers can use these industries to tackle multiple crises- jobs, poverty, and climate risks. Sports diplomacy- defined as communication, representation and negotiation in or through the prism of sports- has proven effective in building inclusive and cohesive societies. Moreover, sports and the creative industry can support better mental health and well-being, both important for productivity.
“Policymakers can also be true to the game by leveraging culture and tradition to celebrate identity and reap commercial value in sports, textiles and jewelry. Creative sectors allow deeper connection with culture, are not easily copied and provide great economic potential.”
He said supporting grassroots sports has powerful distributional effects. “Fortunately, technology has made reaching wide audiences easier, generating higher rates of success when talent is discovered.”
However, Mabiakop held that potential pitfalls must be highlighted. “First avoid build it and they will come policies with infrastructures denuded from the rest of the ecosystem. Like the many sports stadiums left largely unused.”
“Policymakers must remain mindful of how these sectors move the needle in human capital development. Also, align the requisite public policies needed for progress from grassroots participation to professional sports, and even to international sporting events. They should also support investment instruments to render these sectors performant.”
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