Gunners pardon six axed players
Sport
Extension Gunners officials have rescinded their decision to slap six key players with termination letters, this comes after the team failed to recruit suitable replacements for the alleged undisciplined players.
Information reaching WeekendSport suggests that the newly elected committee helmed by Phenyo Gothaang is on a mission to boost the team’s image and they will not tolerate any behavior that will tarnish their brand’s name.
The players who were expected to be axed were accused of various transgressions including indiscipline with most of them having played the Christmas tournaments which is against the team’s philosophy while others complained of contract breach where they were not given their salaries on time.
This publication has learnt that the six players that were facing the red were Kago “Manje” Nfila, Mogomotsi “Jafta” Mokoka, Moemedi “Jomo” Moatlhaping, Amos “Shoes” Godirwang, Monageng “Mnike” Thaele and Kemmy “Gweru” Pilato. However, the team officials after careful consideration that they won’t sign any more players took the decision not to give them the termination letters.
All these players in exception of Nfila were instrumental in the rise of Mapantsola at the beginning of the season and their axing was going to give the team headaches more especially that most of them are experienced campaigners.
Currently the team which at one point was leading the premiership log is occupying the 9th spot with 20 points, three points short to make it into the top eight bracket. Guna-Guna is one of the silent teams in this transfer window despite the prospects of losing players.
Their versatile Thamaga born player Mosimanegape “Mzala” Ntwaetsile is highly linked with the defending champions Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Ntwaetsile has been the backbone of their last line when resources permitted he marshaled the midfield brilliantly- he is one player Gunners diehards will regret losing.
“As for now I only know that Ntwaetsile is still injured so we are expecting him soon, as for the Chiefs rumors I can’t really say, I only know he is injured,” the team mouth piece Edwin Mabapa said. The Lobatse based side which has been struggling to pay their monthly dues risk losing the defender Isaac Paeye who Jwaneng Galaxy has shown interest in.
The new committee which wants to revive the team and possibly finish in a respectable position is also busy recruiting but they are hitting brick walls. After rejecting “ambitious” winger Kobamelo “Swere” Kebaikanye with finances as the heart of the matter, the team is said to have made desperate attempts to lure to their camp long time target Moathodi “Skhebi” Ralesota. The dream to see the Serowe goal poacher donning the black and white kits could not materialize as he had already committed with Gaborone United.
Their chance to acquire the forgotten Township Rollers striker Jerome “JLO” Louis looks very slim as GU are also interested in his services. Thus far they managed to sign Mandla ‘Spikiri” Mgadla, and they have shown interest in Orapa United defender Emmanuel “Agrippa” Nlu who is assessed by Coach Daniel Nare.
Meanwhile other reports from Bandleng indicate that the sponsors expected to inject millions at the side, who have been much talked about are nigh. “As for now I can only tell you management is courting some, both in and outside the country,” concluded Mabapa.
Sport
Orange injects P350 000 into Phikwe marathon
Mobile network Orange Botswana is committed to supporting the development of local sport. Through its sponsorship, the company will be able to promote and market the sport. According to Maano Masisi, the company believes that sport can unite people from different backgrounds.
He stated that through the sponsorship of the marathon, the company will help promote healthy lifestyles and unity among the people of Selebi Phikwe.
The Selebi Phikwe Marathon is scheduled to take place on July 29, 2023. It is expected that it will attract international, regional, and social runners. A total of P216 000 has been allocated for the prize money for the first ten places in the 42.2 km race. For the 15km and 10km races, the LOC will give away prizes to the first five places.
Sport
Big Guns for Botswana Grand Prix
The National Stadium will be lit up with fireworks on April 29, 2023, as some of the best international athletes will participate in the maiden Botswana Grand prix.
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Sport
AFRICA’S RECOVERY: Sports as game changer
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.”