Phikwe region kick-starts women�s youth league
Imi Mokgethi | Wednesday December 14, 2016 13:03
Speaking during the launch, Botswana Football Association (BFA) president Maclean Letshwiti emphasised the importance of partnership among all key stakeholders in the growth of football, thus imploring the residents and local authorities to work together and ensure that the league becomes a success.
Letshwiti further highlighted that the youth league is one of his initiatives that are aimed at developing football at grassroots level, adding that grassroots development is key to building strong national teams that can compete internationally.
“The reason for poor performance of most of our teams is because we do not adhere to the basics of football as our focus is mainly on older players. It is for this reason that I saw the need to introduce this initiative. Football internationally has turned out to be a big industry and it is my wish to see the same happening in our country,” he said.
He said since he assumed his role in the BFA he has managed to create employment opportunities through such initiatives, as the kits used in the league countrywide were produced locally by citizens.
Letshwiti further pointed out that the youth league project also aims to take young people out of the streets as most of them are unemployed.
He added that the copper and nickel town that is currently in economic crisis could use the opportunity to establish a sports tourism initiative that will attract people to the town.
“For this project to succeed there is need for the business community and the residents to offer their undivided support. I also pledge my support in ensuring the effective implementation of this league,” he promised.
The president also indicated that their new administration is committed to offering equal opportunities to boys and girls, noting that this development programme will be equally availed to both.
Selebi-Phikwe town mayor, Amogelang Mojuta pleaded with the BFA to assist them in renovating the town’s stadium and other football grounds. He said they are a burden to the council to maintain.
He further applauded the youth league programme, which he said will produce quality athletes who can represent the country at international level.
Meanwhile, SPEDU donated P5,000 towards the league and pledged their support to ensure that it becomes a success. According to Selebi-Phikwe Regional Football Association chairman Barulaganye Moloi, there are currently six teams participating in the league.
He however stated that they are expecting to register more teams in the coming year. In the first games played on Saturday, Tse-Tshweu beat Granada 3-1 in the Under-13 category. In Under-15 category, Granada walloped Makanyane 10-0, while in the Under-17 category Granada trounced Makanyane 4-0.