Ramogotsi win Under-11 cricket league

NELSON DIRENG
Correspondent | Friday May 29, 2009 00:00

The league for government schools featured Oodi, Ben Thema, Botsalano, Boikhutso, Mojadife, Tsogang, Ikageng, Mmusi, Rasesa, Bophirima, Itumeleng and Ramogotsi primary schools.

The well-attended final started off at a high pace with both teams balanced. Ramogotsi who realised that Itumeleng had weak batsmen exploited their rival batsmen's weakness to win the tournament.

Thabo Patlakwe was crowned Player of the Tournament.

Letang Baile was voted the Best Bowler while Kitso Kwapa got the Best Batsmen award.

Festus Makole was adjudged the Best Fielder with Tsogang Primary winning the Best Team Spirit awrd.

Botswana Cricket Association (BCA) Development Officer, Girish Ramakrishna said the tournament was meant to nurture young talent.

'The National squad at the moment starts with the Under-13s but we saw it necessary to start at an earlier stage, as this is the time when we can develop the kids.

Ramakrishna said 30 players would be picked to make the squad. He, however, said he was not impressed with the indiscipline other schools displayed during the league. He said some teachers lacked dedication, which might deny children a chance to showcase their talent.

Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) vice chairperson Nomsa Mbere praised teachers saying most sporting codes rely on teachers, particularly at junior level.

She praised BCA for utilising the 'little available resources'.

Isaac Mabiletsa, the Kgatleng East Member of Parliament (MP) commended the BCA for nurturing talent at a tender age.

'BCA's strategy to cultivate talent from a young age is strategic as most international players who are excelling in sport started at a tender age,' he said. He also pointed out discipline as a major component in sports.

'You may have the talent but without discipline you are doomed,' he cautioned.