Time to invest in Botswana’s sporting future

Mmegi Editor | Monday February 17, 2025 11:29

It’s now time for bold action.

While the Ministry of Sport and Arts (MOSA) awaits its share of the budget, the government must recognise that sport is not a luxury, it is an investment. As Botswana Tennis Association president Oaitse Thipe rightly notes, sport can tackle youth unemployment through initiatives like nationwide school holiday camps. These programmes could create thousands of temporary jobs while nurturing future stars. Yet none of this is possible without adequate funding. The P61 million spent on the failed 2027 AFCON bid, as criticised by volleyball chief Tsoseletso Magang, highlights skewed priorities. That money could have built community facilities or funded youth leagues. Moving forward, MOSA must allocate funds transparently, focusing on long-term development over vanity projects.

While demanding more public funds, sports bodies must also embrace self-reliance. BNOC’s Enoch Mushango rightly argues that budget cuts should push administrators to seek partnerships and sponsorships.

Botswana’s over-reliance on programmes like Re Ba Bona Ha, funded by Debswana, is unsustainable. Why not commercialise leagues, attract private sponsors, or lease facilities for events?

National Sport Associations (NSAs) should adopt business-minded strategies, merchandising, ticketing, or digital fan engagement to generate income.

The absence of school sports is a national crisis. Schools are the bedrock of talent development, yet programmes remain dormant.

Reinstating school competitions and holiday camps would unearth future Olympians and keep youth engaged. This requires a dedicated school sport vote in the budget, as urged by BNSC’s Mmaneke Maplanka. Let’s train teachers as coaches, revive inter-school leagues, and ensure every child has access to facilities.

Sport unites us. From the Zebras’ triumphs to local netball tournaments, it fosters pride and community. But progress demands collective effort. Corporate Botswana must sponsor leagues; parents should demand school sport’s return; fans ought to attend local matches. Meanwhile, NSAs must prove they’re worthy of trust by spending responsibly, no more frivolous trips or skewed allocations.

The new government has a golden opportunity to redefine Botswana’s sporting landscape. Allocate funds wisely, demand accountability, and reignite school sport. Administrators, innovate or step aside. Citizens, rally behind our athletes.

‘Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.’ – Michael Jordan