MCE Student Dominates BOTESSA Awards
Kebone Laetsang | Monday February 25, 2019 12:56
During the awards, Thabiso Sekgopi was the star of the night as he scooped sportsperson of the year award and also best male in athletics.
Sekgopi walked away with a total of P1,500 from sponsors, First National Bank Botswana (FNBB). Sekgopi, who is studying Maths and Science at Molepolole College of Education (MCE), attributed his triumph to hard work.
“Through hard work and perseverance and also with the help of my coach whom I see as a mentor in my life (I triumphed). He made me a strong man for who I am because to go for training everyday and again dedicate my time to do my schoolwork is a big challenge,” Sekgopi said.
“I had to fight for the two. One should follow their dreams and be passionate about them, do not let people discourage the bright future in you, just be yourself and everything else with follow.”
For his part, BOTESSA president, Keorapetse Setlhare said they train these young stars so that they excel in sports.
“They are nurturing talent for youth development and empowerment so that they engage and develop their talents. By doing these we propel them to perform in the international arena,” Setlhare said. “These are the first ever BOTESSA awards held under the theme Sport a key to alcohol and free generation. Different sport bodies come together to recruit young talents in all areas of the country. The main aim is to keep them away from drug use and unworthy ways that have no role in their lives,” he added.
The overall team sport coach of the year award was scooped by Matlhogonolo Mokgosi while the individual athletic coach of the year went to Justice Dipeba.
The University of Botswana won the overall performing institution of the year. The administrator of the year award went to Tebogo Kgari. Katlego Ramaeba won the best in athletes with disability.
The sports codes that participated included Athletics, Badminton, Basket Ball, Chess, Dats, Netball, Softball, Table tennis and football. Each category consisted of three nominees from each and only one amongst was the winner and grabbed himself/herself 500 while other nominees took 300.
Botswana National Sport Commision, chief executive officer, Falcon Sedimo expressed his gratitude to FNBB for their loyal support at all time.
He added that the partnership has brought more changes in the sport industry, which is growing tremendously. Sedimo stated that the partnership began last June where the bank planted P3 million to pave a way and enable them for more exposure of sports to their counterparts.