National Sport Associations Ready For Activities Resumption

Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 6, 2021 16:05

Ready To Throw Punches: Local sporting bodies are gearing up for the resumption of activities following a three-week ban PIC: MORERI SEJAKGOMO

The move comes after some of the pronouncements made during the state of the nation address by President Mokgweetsi Masisi on Friday evening. Following that, Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) chief executive officer (CEO), Tuelo Serufho told Sport Monitor they envisage that restrictions on sport would be lifted effective midnight of September 6. “As such, we are getting ready to facilitate the safe return of sport. When the ban ceases, our guidelines get into effect.

We encourage our National Sport Associations (NSAs) and other stakeholders to continue adhering to the guidelines as that would be the safest way of not only guaranteeing that there are no further suspensions, but also that sport continues to be a low risk industry in terms of spreading the virus,” he said. Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) public relations officer, Isaiah Ramontshonyane said before the ban, they were planning to host Botswana Kata championship in Gaborone and Francistown. “In our meeting, the vice president-technical was requested to come up with a calendar of events that caters for COVID-19 protocols.

As you know, we cannot have a championship at our Dojo in Gaborone. The only way is to have activities in different parts of the country,” he said. Marea Modutlwa of Botswana Bowling Association (BBA) said their focus is to prepare the national squad for the Commonwealth Games next year. “We have a plan to arrange training camps and some challenge games locally.

We also have a plan to train technical officials in this current financial year,” she said. Meanwhile, Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) interim president, Mothokomedi Thabano said they are preparing for elections and hand over to the new executive committee. “Preparations for the virtual elections are at advanced stage.

We also have funds ready for the league and Botswana Open from Debswana,” he said.

Botswana Softball Association (BSA) secretary general, Nozie Payet said softball is the second NSA after football to submit a comprehensive safe return to play manual to BNSC. Boxing spokesperson, Taolo Tlouetsile said they are waiting for communication from Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development and BNSC regarding the lifting of the ban on sport.

“Our first activity is the elective Annual General Meeting (AGM). We have submitted documents to BNSC for funding and we are waiting for their response but we are positive that everything is in order.

The elections committee is also prepared for the event. In a nutshell we are ready as BoBA but we have to clear one or two things with BNSC,” Tlouetsile said.