BNSC honours former stars in hall of fame

Mosah Mokganedi | Monday March 24, 2014 14:44

 

Former footballer, Nicholas Sebele (left) was one of the people honoured by the Botswana National Sports Council

“I am not saying you should not be paid, but always take care of your country because your country will reward you,” he said at the inaugural Botswana Sport Hall of Fame awards. Sebele and seven other legends were honoured at the awards. Former vice-president, Mompati Merafhe, athletics administrator, Raj Rathedi and former football administrator, Ishmael Bhamjee were given awards together with Cutberth Motsepe, Euphemia Tlhapane, the late vice-president, Peter Mmusi (posthumously) and former footballer, William ‘Paymaster’ Dennison (posthumously). 

Sebele said that today, players have all the reasons to do better than their predecessors because they have better facilities. “It is not like in our days where we only relied on technical prudence,” he said. Sebele decried the approach of current football coaches to the game by saying that the best defence is attack.

“It is hurting to hear coaches misleading players with such sayings. The best defence is to apply defensive techniques,” he explained. Sebele served football in various capacities as a player, coach, referee and administrator. His football career lasted nine years and took him to Mochudi Rovers, Mahalapye Hotspurs, Mokgosi Young Fighters and Gaborone United where he spent five seasons. He played for the national team between 1969 and 1973. He is the first Motswana to acquire a high level-coaching certificate.

Former vice president, Merafhe was rewarded for his service as chairperson of the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) and Botswana National Olympics Committee (BNOC). He was also patron of the Botswana Athletics Association (BAA), Botswana Defence Force Tennis Club and BDF XI Football Club.

He is a founder and executive member of the Supreme Council for Sports in Africa (SCSA). The Hall of Fame is an initiative by Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) to reward former outstanding sportspersons.

This year’s event was held under the theme; ‘Exceeding Expectations’ at the National Stadium.