Call for more support for Squash
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday January 24, 2023 06:00
The event is being organised by the BSRA in collaboration with the Dreadsports Squash in Baltimore. Dreadsports director and former national team player, Lefika Ragontse felt enough is not being done to promote Squash. He said it is high time sport became part of the school curriculum. “Individual sport is where we excel as Batswana. No sport is for the elite and we need funding so everyone can play any sport of their choice. What I am proposing is indemnifying five sports that are funded privately or by government. Then seeing if we have a way through those sports to provide our people with an academic and professional route,” he said. When asked about the idea behind the Squash Day, Ragontse said there is need for someone to give the country a clear path in empowering the youth.
He said ever since players and their coach, Condrad Ntshebe visited United States of America, he realised the trips made a difference. “Ntshebe started an academy upon return and national team player, Theo Pelonomi continues to come to the USA to train and improve his level. Other juniors are inspired and it has changed their lives. So, I know that this will make a difference. Even though my journey was difficult, I feel like our youth and the country really need to understand that we are very capable,” he said. “Sports, education and culture are the things that we need to keep intact. I worry about our country and youth. I think we can make a difference because we have experienced the hardships of life. We simply need to prepare them. So let us provide them with a clear path,” he said. Ragontse added that he hopes to meet parents on the day and provide them with opportunities that exist for their children.
He said the goal is to set up a Youth Programme Fund that will give local players an opportunity to compete internationally, make a choice to go professional or the academic route. “I will clarify how everything works, academics and as an athlete. So far I have not had any sponsorship. I have been funding it all. Yes, if companies and individuals believe in the same initiative, then we encourage them to join and support us. The goal is to do the right thing. So no cost for parents, we want to help their children,” he said. Ragontse said Squash president, Tiego Rabasha has been supportive and understands the idea. “I grew up in Botswana and I know the situation on the ground. It is about mindset and if we change it, we will start winning. The talent needs to come home and fix that problem. The issue is compensation but that is a different topic but simply put, this needs to change,” Ragontse added.