Public urges better marketing of Youth Games

Mosah Mokganedi | Friday April 4, 2014 12:51

 

In snap survey conducted by Mmegi Sport, some Batswana argue that the organisers are not doing enough to take the games to the people and create awareness. They say the build-up to the games lack hype and excitement that is usually associated with hosting such an event. Derrick Lehutso is of the view that Botswana is not ready to host the games.

He said information about the games does not indicate that Botswana is hosting Africa. “It is like we are hosting some school competition,” he said. According to him every corner of Gaborone should be showing that some big thing is coming in a few weeks time. “At this point, people should know about the games without inquiring,” he said. Lehutso decried the lack of youth involvement in the games. He said adults should have allowed young people to be in full control of the games.

Lehutso believes that if the marketing of the games was left to young people, they would have come up with bright ideas.

Maipelo Mosojane doubted the country’s ability to host games of such magnitude. “I am looking at things like accommodation that I do not think is adequate,” she said. She said many people do not know about the games but believes oganisers are doing their best under the circumstances.  Informal trader, Chawada Nkelese has heard about the games but does not really know much about them. She said she was yet to inquire about how small businesses like hers stand to benefit from the event.  

A student, Priscilla Ntesang has become aware of the games through the media. She said that most Batswana do not know about the games particularly in rural areas. “I have even heard some people labelling them Gaborone games,” she said. But being a sportsperson, Ntesang said she is excited and will be supporting the athletics team.  “I did not hear much about them. I only heard about the 100 days countdown,” youthful Llyod Maruping said. Denny Tlhalefang has had something about the games but does not know when they will be held.  Godfrey Andrew believes the organisers have done enough to market the games. He said he follows updates in newspapers on a daily basis.

He however, said knowing about the games could be a problem for people who do not read newspapers and that billboards would have been a good idea. “We should appreciate that this is not a soccer World Cup and as such, cannot have much hype,” he said.