Botswana struggles in junior golf tourney
Kebone Laetsang | Friday March 15, 2019 13:15
The hosts are among 13 countries drawn from the continent and found themselves at the bottom of the pile at the end of day’s play on Wednesday. The tournament started on Tuesday and ends today.
It has not been a run that the locals were hoping for as the team trails way behind traditional giants, South Africa, who have been dominant.
Morocco were second followed by Zambia after Wednesday’s play. Botswana coach, Mpho Kelosiwang said the team comprising of Agang Diraditsile, Philip Collop, Leruri Lemogang and Lerako Molefhe did not perform to its full potential as it was the first time for the players to be involved in a tournament of such magnitude. The country did not send representatives to the 2018 edition, but did participate in 2017 in Zimbabwe.
“Botswana being the host has the opportunity to experience this kind of tournament. It is a new journey for us to build a strong team and learn from other teams how they play and also maintain that level throughout. Golf training needs time so that players are well groomed to perform well,” Kelosiwang said.He further stated that to develop and structure a good team they need to have loyal players who can participate in this sport since there are less people showing interest in golf, which affects the growth of the sport.
“I hold post match meetings with the players to let them voice their opinions, regarding the course so that we prepare and strengthen their confidence for them to be bold and ready for challenges they may come across during the tournament.
“We are aware that only three countries, Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe have girls’ teams. This is an indication that to develop a team is a challenge on its own and needs time to recruit and have a team. To develop a girls’ team has a lot of challenges and management also needs to put more effort into the issue,” Kelosiwang said.
He was however hoping for an improved display in the last couple of days of the competition.