COSSASA want more nations competing
Boitumelo Khutsafalo | Friday August 26, 2016 14:38
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Maduku said the fact that the games came immediately after the Rio 2016 Olympic games is coincidentally critical for reflective purposes. The games are spread across different sporting codes including volleyball, football, netball and tennis where four countries, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and Zimbabwe will lock horns.
But Maduku wants other southern African countries to be involved. He said in the future they will try and make sure that all the member states in the Southern African region do take part in the games.
“These games do not just provide platform for competition on the field of play. From here you will have learnt quiet a lot of things as well,” he said.
Maduku told players from different codes to give their best as the games afford them an opportunity to test their strength. He said since they are winners in their home countries, these games ensure that the players do not rest on their laurels and provide litmus test at an early age.
Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) president, Joshua Gaotlhobogwe welcomed the teams and said the games provide a platform for the region to produce future super stars. “We have a duty to ensure that these kids realise their dreams,” he said.
Botswana will be looking to salvage something from the games following a disappointing showing at the just ended Rio Olympics.
Amongst the teams that look promising is the girls’ Under-17 football team which boasts familiar names such as Unabo Bengani who was influential in helping Pandagala Junior Secondary school (JSS) to win gold in the Copa Coca-Cola held recently.
She will play alongside Leungo Senwelo of Tlokweng JSS who also plays for the national women’s Under-17 side. Football matches are played at Lekidi football pitch while netball games are hosted at Botswana Netball Association (BONA) grounds. Volleyball and tennis matches are played at Maruapula School courts and Notwane Courts respectively.