Hawks retain HIV/AIDS netball title

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Tuesday May 19, 2009 00:00

Hawks' coach Delroy Nkomazana told Mmegi Sport that they hardly raised sweat against a Notwane side they met in a replica of last year's final. Nkomazana said unlike other teams, most of his players had been exposed to tougher competitions before as they also play in the senior team. He commended Notwane for a noble initiative in coming up with the tournament.

The coach said there is need to equip the youth with life skills at a tender age. The tournament was meant to sensitise the youth about the dangers of HIV/AIDS and other chronic diseases.  Nkomazana feels there is room for improvement in the way the competition is run. Nkomazana wants the teams increased to broaden the scope of the competition.  He said there is need for improved transparency in the way fixtures are drawn as they were unclear about the system of play that was.

Nkomazana also urged the teams to take the tournament seriously saying it was evident during the games that some teams were not well prepared.

Tournament organiser, Kelebogile Mocuminyane said the event was a huge success as it achieved its goal.

She expressed satisfaction at the spectator turnout despite other attractions taking place in the city. Mocuminyane  said the tournament was not only about competing but imparting knowledge to the youth. Population Services International (Botswana) graced the occasion and disseminated HIV/AIDS information through top musician Mapetla. Hip-hop icon and radio personality, Scar, motivated young children on life skills.

Botswana Christian AIDS Programme (BOCAIP) conducted HIV counselling and testing sessions as well.

Mocuminyane said they are yet to receive the number of people who tested on the day. On transparency, Mocuminyane said they met all the participating teams' managers before the games and explained the system of play and teams did not complain. She said they had learnt many lessons and hope to improve next year.

Mocuminyane encouraged other teams, to partake in the tournament. 'Even if they do not have junior teams they should attend the games because the message preached there is for everybody,' she said.